If you love bold flavors and seafood that sings with a spicy kick, this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Bursting with garlic, chili flakes, and a tangy splash of vinegar or white grape juice, these shrimp are cooked perfectly tender and coated in a luscious buttery sauce that’s both invigorating and comforting. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this dish offers a vibrant fusion of heat, zest, and rich texture that simply can’t be beaten.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an essential role, creating a perfect balance of flavors and colors that make this dish irresistible. From the juicy shrimp to the aromatic shallots and hearty butter, every element enhances the final result.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star ingredient, fresh shrimp ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Salt (1 tsp): Simple seasoning that brings all the flavors to life.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds an extra layer of savory depth.
- Sweet paprika (1 tsp): Gives a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- Black pepper (2 tsp, divided): For that sharp, spicy bite.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): To sear the shrimp perfectly without overpowering the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, divided): Creates a rich, silky sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Shallot (1, finely chopped): Offers a mild, sweet onion flavor melting into the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Fresh garlic brings pungency and warmth that immediately grabs attention.
- Chili flakes (1 tsp, adjust to taste): The fiery heart of the dish, add more or less depending on your spice comfort zone.
- Apple cider vinegar or white grape juice (½ cup): Provides a tangy brightness that “drunkenly” awakens the shrimp.
- Fish broth or chicken broth (¾ cup): Adds savory richness and depth to the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): A final zingy burst to brighten every bite.
- Chopped parsley (2 tbsp): Fresh herbs are essential for a pop of green color and fresh flavor.
How to Make Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp in garlic powder, sweet paprika, half the salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper. This dry rub infuses the shrimp right from the start, layering in flavor that will carry through cooking. Let it sit just a moment so the shrimp soak it all in.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of cold unsalted butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the shrimp, about one minute on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. This fast, high-heat cooking locks in moisture and keeps the shrimp tender. Then, set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add finely chopped shallots along with minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté them gently until fragrant and translucent—around two minutes. Next, stir in chili flakes, the remaining salt, and black pepper. This step builds the spicy, aromatic foundation for our sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the apple cider vinegar (or white grape juice) to deglaze, scraping up every flavorful browned bit stuck to the pan. These bits carry concentrated flavor, so don’t miss this step. Let the mixture simmer for about three minutes to mellow the acidity and blend everything together.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Add your choice of fish broth or chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Then stir in the remaining three tablespoons of butter gradually until the sauce becomes smooth, glossy, and perfectly emulsified. This rich buttery sauce will cling to the shrimp, coating them in luxurious flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Shrimp
Return the seared shrimp to the skillet, allowing them to warm through gently for one minute in the sauce. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and toss in the chopped parsley to bring freshness and a hint of citrus brightness to the dish.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Spicy Drunken Shrimp piping hot, along with crusty bread, pasta, or fluffy rice—anything hearty to soak up that irresistible sauce. Each bite will be a spicy, buttery, and tangy delight that’s hard to forget.
How to Serve Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Spicy Drunken Shrimp with fresh parsley not only adds a lovely green pop but also a touch of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A few lemon wedges on the side let everyone add a little extra zing if they like it even fresher.
Side Dishes
This dish partners wonderfully with simple sides like crusty artisan bread that soaks up every drop of sauce, a creamy risotto, or even garlic-infused pasta. For a greener option, a crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette or steamed asparagus complements the spicy richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make an impression, serve the shrimp over a bed of saffron rice or nested in grilled polenta rounds. For a fun and interactive meal, arrange the shrimp in a large shallow bowl for sharing and provide plenty of napkins—this dish is finger-licking good and perfect for lively gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce might thicken a bit, but reheating gently brings it back to that silky goodness.
Freezing
While shrimp dishes freeze okay, the texture may slightly change. If you want to freeze this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, but we recommend enjoying it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the butter sauce from separating. Avoid using high heat or microwaving as shrimp can quickly become rubbery. A splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as you thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Dry shrimp sear better and help maintain the perfect texture in the Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white grape juice, white wine vinegar, or even a light white wine can be excellent substitutes that give a similar tangy lift to the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness mainly comes from the chili flakes, which you can adjust to your preference. Start with one teaspoon and add more if you like a hotter kick. The buttery sauce also helps mellow the heat, balancing the flavors nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure your broth is gluten-free and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This makes the Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe a great option for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This dish relies heavily on shrimp and butter, so for a vegan version, you’d want to substitute shrimp with firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegan butter or olive oil. Keep in mind the flavor will change, but the technique remains the same.
Final Thoughts
Making this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe is like inviting a party of bold, bright flavors to your dinner table. It’s quick, satisfying, and truly unforgettable with each bite. Whether you’re a seasoned shrimp lover or diving in for the first time, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Spicy Drunken Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a spicy, tangy sauce made with apple cider vinegar, garlic, shallots, chili flakes, and a rich butter emulsion. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a vibrant kick balanced with savory richness and fresh parsley, best served with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious 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 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter (divided)
- 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 shrimp with garlic powder, sweet paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the shrimp and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of cold unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for about one minute on each side until pink and slightly caramelized. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately two minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the chili flakes, the remaining half teaspoon salt, and one teaspoon black pepper.
- Deglaze: Pour in the apple cider vinegar or white grape juice, scraping up the browned bits from the skillet bottom. Let this mixture simmer gently for three minutes to let the flavors meld and the vinegar reduce slightly.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the fish broth or chicken broth and bring the sauce to a boil. Stir in the remaining three tablespoons of cold unsalted butter gradually until the sauce becomes smooth and emulsified, giving it a rich texture.
- Finish with Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and simmer for one minute just to warm through. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten and finish the dish.
- Serve: Serve the spicy drunken shrimp hot alongside crusty bread, pasta, or rice to enjoy the flavorful and buttery sauce fully.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use fish broth for a deeper seafood flavor, or chicken broth for a milder taste.
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen for even cooking.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
- This dish pairs excellently with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta or rice.
