Spicy In the Pan Shrimp

One of the most memorable moments after our wedding was when we hosted our first big sit-down dinner party. It was late winter, and we decided to embrace the festive spirit of Mardi Gras as the theme for the event. Despite our dining room table being able to seat only eight people, we eagerly invited sixteen guests. It didn’t occur to us at the time that coordinating the serving and seating arrangements might be a challenge. Nevertheless, we were determined to make it a wonderful evening. Our menu boasted big pans of flavorful jambalaya and spicy pasta. To complement these dishes, we served a delectable appetizer – the Shrimp in Spicy Butter Sauce, accompanied by plenty of crusty French bread. The evening was filled with laughter, conversation, and delightful food, and even our friends at the card tables had a fantastic time. Since then, I have prepared this appetizer on numerous occasions, especially for appetizer courses, and it has never failed to be a hit. So, be sure to make plenty of it because it disappears quickly. This recipe brings the spirit of Mardi Gras to life even during the midwinter season.

Serves four to six

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 dozen large raw shrimp (15–18 count), with shells
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ⅓ cup beer, at room temperature
• ½ cup seafood or chicken stock
• 1 dash hot pepper sauce (optional)

SPICE MIX:

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary leaves
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, mix the Spice Mix ingredients and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 8 tablespoons of butter (1 stick) over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and the Spice Mix to the melted butter in the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Pour in the beer, chicken or seafood stock, and a dash of hot pepper sauce (if desired).
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the raw shrimp to the pan. Move the pan back and forth over the heat for about 2 minutes, using a shaking motion to help emulsify the butter with the other ingredients. Be cautious of hot handles and any splashes on the edge of the pan. You may need to flip the shrimp in the pan to cook on both sides evenly.
6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and continue to move it in a shaking motion over the heat for another 2 minutes. The shrimp should be pink and firm when fully cooked.
7. Serve the shrimp in small bowls or directly from the pan, accompanied by plenty of crusty French bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce. Don’t forget to provide napkins, as it can get messy, but that’s all part of the fun! Enjoy the taste of Mardi Gras in every bite.

TIPS:

• Perfect for Large Gatherings: This Shrimp in Spicy Butter Sauce recipe is ideal for entertaining a crowd. Whether it’s a dinner party or a festive celebration, this appetizer will surely delight your guests. Just remember to make enough to satisfy their appetites!
• Don’t Forget the French Bread: The rich and flavorful sauce of this shrimp dish pairs perfectly with crusty French bread. Be sure to have an ample supply of French bread on hand for your guests to enjoy dipping in the delicious sauce.
• Shake, Don’t Stir: When cooking the shrimp in the sauce, use a shaking motion with the pan rather than stirring. This technique helps emulsify the butter with the other ingredients, creating a smoother and more flavorful sauce for the shrimp.