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Dirty Shrimp in Butter Beer Sauce

Dirty Shrimp in Butter Beer Sauce

Dirty Shrimp in Butter Beer Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with maltiness from beer and a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a fuss-free, bold meal that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger feast.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 pound fresh or thawed peeled shrimp

Butter Beer Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup lager or pale ale beer
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the sauce adheres well. Lightly season with salt and pepper to lay the flavor foundation.
  2. Sauté Garlic in Butter: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and fragrant. Add freshly minced garlic and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning and to release the garlic’s rich aroma.
  3. Add Beer to the Pan: Pour in your chosen beer slowly, allowing it to deglaze the pan and combine with the butter and garlic. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to let alcohol cook off and the flavors concentrate.
  4. Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, tasting as you go to adjust to your preferred spice level and balance.
  5. Cook the Shrimp in the Sauce: Add the shrimp to the skillet, turning to coat each piece in the flavorful butter beer sauce. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they’re perfectly done.
  6. Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dish and add a fresh herbal note.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for a sweeter flavor and better texture; if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Choose a light lager or pale ale to add maltiness without bitterness.
  • Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning and cleaner taste.
  • Allow the beer to reduce slightly before adding shrimp to intensify the sauce’s flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, butter beer sauce, quick shrimp recipe, seafood appetizer, savory shrimp, easy shrimp dish, dinner, beer sauce