Ingredients
This recipe hinges on fresh, quality ingredients, and the simplicity of the components allows each flavor to truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups:
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) work best for these cups as they are bite-sized and cook quickly. Fresh or frozen (thawed completely) shrimp can be used.
- Phyllo Dough Cups (Mini): 2 boxes (approximately 15 cups per box). These pre-made cups provide the perfect crispy and convenient vessel for our flavorful shrimp mixture. They are readily available in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), unsalted. Butter is the foundation of our rich and flavorful sauce, providing that classic buttery taste. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for the robust garlic flavor that defines this recipe. Mincing it finely ensures it infuses the butter beautifully.
- Dry White Wine: ¼ cup (optional). A splash of dry white wine adds a layer of acidity and complexity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Use a crisp, dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Chicken broth can be substituted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the garlic butter and shrimp.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice provides a crucial element of brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the flavors of the shrimp and garlic. Freshly squeezed is always preferred for the best flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice to the dish. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavors in this recipe. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference throughout the cooking process.
Instructions
Making these Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups is surprisingly straightforward and quick. Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of these irresistible appetizers:
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important as excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from browning properly and dilute the sauce.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Use a skillet large enough to accommodate all the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
- Add White Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season generously with salt and black pepper. If using red pepper flakes, add them now as well.
- Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. They should be firm to the touch and no longer translucent.
- Stir in Parsley and Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice will brighten the sauce and balance the richness of the butter.
- Assemble the Shrimp Cups: Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Spoon the garlic butter shrimp mixture evenly into each phyllo cup, ensuring each cup gets a generous portion of shrimp and sauce.
- Bake (Optional): For extra warmth and crispiness, you can bake the filled phyllo cups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This step is optional, but it enhances the texture and makes the cups slightly warmer if serving immediately. Be careful not to overbake, as the phyllo cups can burn easily.
- Serve Immediately: Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups are best served immediately while the phyllo cups are still crispy and the shrimp is warm and flavorful. Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 15g