If you love bold flavors with a kick, then you’re in for a real treat with this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe. It’s a delightful dish that brings juicy shrimp to life by marinating and cooking them in a vibrant, buttery sauce enriched with garlic, chili flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The balance of heat and tang, combined with the silky richness of butter and fresh herbs, makes it a standout meal whether you’re cooking for family or showing off a favorite dish to friends. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to seafood sensations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key in this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe. Each element plays its role, from seasoning the shrimp perfectly to building a sauce that’s both spicy and tangy, finishing with fresh herbs that lend brightness and color.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp provide the tender seafood base for this dish.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasons the shrimp evenly.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a mild garlicky depth to the shrimp before cooking.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- 2 tsp black pepper, divided: Provides peppery heat for seasoning the shrimp and sauce separately.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for searing shrimp without sticking and adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness and helps create that luscious, emulsified sauce.
- 1 shallot, finely chopped: Offers a delicate, sweet onion flavor that softens the sauce.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Packs a punch of fresh garlic flavor, balancing the richness.
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste): The key to the “spicy” factor in the recipe, bringing warmth and depth.
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar or white grape juice: Adds a tangy, slightly fruity acidity that brightens the dish and deglazes the pan.
- ¾ cup fish broth (or chicken broth): Builds a savory base that enhances the seafood essence.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: A final splash of citrus to tie all the flavors together with freshness.
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley: Adds herbal brightness and a pop of vibrant green color to finish.
How to Make Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, half the salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper. This first seasoning step gives the shrimp a flavorful crust once cooked, and layering the spices will enhance every bite with a balanced mix of smoky, garlicky, and peppery notes.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil alongside one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, place the shrimp in the pan and sear for just one minute on each side. The goal here is to get a slight crisp on the outside while locking in their natural juiciness. After cooking, set the shrimp aside but don’t clean the skillet just yet—those flavorful browned bits will become the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic into the same skillet. Sauté gently for about two minutes until fragrant and translucent. Next, stir in the chili flakes, remaining salt, and the rest of the black pepper. This combination builds layers of heat and savoriness that will mingle perfectly with the shrimp.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the apple cider vinegar or white grape juice to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those tasty browned bits into the sauce. Simmer this mixture for about three minutes; this not only intensifies the flavor but also balances the heat with the fresh, fruity acidity of the vinegar or juice.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Now add the fish broth and increase the heat until the liquid boils. Stir in the remaining three tablespoons of cold butter, a bit at a time, allowing it to emulsify into the sauce which results in a silky and full-bodied finish that perfectly coats the shrimp.
Step 6: Finish with Shrimp
Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and simmer just for one minute, warming them through without overcooking. Lastly, mix in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to add a zesty brightness and garnish that invites you to dive right in.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your spicy drunken shrimp piping hot, ideally with something to soak up all that delicious sauce like crusty bread, fluffy rice, or tender pasta. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a must for adding a splash of green and herbal freshness that balances the richness. For an extra flair, a few lemon wedges on the side invite diners to add a personal touch of citrus zip with every bite. You might also sprinkle a little extra chili flakes if you want to dial up the heat visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is a classic pairing since it soaks up the addictive buttery sauce perfectly, making each bite even more delightful. Lightly buttered rice or simple pasta can serve as a great neutral base that lets the shrimp shine while absorbing the vibrant sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the spicy drunken shrimp in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to retain heat and create a cozy feel at the table. You can also place the shrimp atop a bed of garlic-infused mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate that looks as good as it tastes. For a party, serve the shrimp with toothpicks in small cups of sauce, turning it into an irresistible appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your spicy drunken shrimp feast, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep well for up to 2 days, though it’s best to enjoy them as fresh as possible to retain that perfect texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because shrimp can become rubbery when thawed and reheated. However, if necessary, place the shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Use within 1 month for best results and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp tough and unevenly warm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better and prevents excess liquid when cooking.
Is it possible to adjust the spice level?
Definitely. The chili flakes can be reduced for a milder dish or increased if you love more heat. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers if you want to experiment with different types of spicy flavors.
What can I substitute for fish broth?
If fish broth isn’t available, chicken broth is a great alternative. Vegetable broth can also work if you want a lighter, vegetarian-friendly base, though the flavor will be less intense.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your broth and seasonings are free from gluten-containing additives. It’s a perfect option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
This Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe is wonderfully quick, taking about 20 minutes from prep to plate, making it ideal for a weekday dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together bold flavors, vibrant colors, and quick preparation. Whether you’re having a casual dinner or wanting to impress guests, these spicy shrimp will deliver that perfect balance of richness, heat, and brightness. Give it a try and watch it become one of your most requested recipes!
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Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Spicy Drunken Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp seared in butter and olive oil, then simmered in a tangy, spicy sauce made with apple cider vinegar, garlic, shallots, and chili flakes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the rich, buttery sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 2 tsp black pepper (divided)
Cooking Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter (divided)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar or white grape juice
- ¾ cup fish broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the shrimp and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and sear them for about 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in chili flakes along with the remaining salt and black pepper for added heat and seasoning.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the apple cider vinegar or white grape juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen up all the flavorful browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and intensify in flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the fish broth (or chicken broth) and bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of cold butter gradually until it melts and emulsifies the sauce into a rich, silky texture.
- Finish with Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the sauce and simmer for an additional 1 minute until the shrimp are warmed through and well-coated. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the spicy drunken shrimp hot, ideally with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious buttery sauce and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level for milder or hotter dishes.
- If you don’t have fish broth, chicken broth works well as a substitute.
- Use cold butter when emulsifying to achieve that smooth, glossy sauce consistency.
- Peeled and deveined shrimp make this recipe quicker and easier to prepare.
- This dish pairs excellently with a crisp white wine or light beer to complement the tangy and spicy flavors.
- For a non-alcoholic vinegar option, white grape juice can provide a milder, sweeter acidity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
