Get ready to savor the delicious flavors of Smoked Garlic Butter Shrimp. This recipe combines the smokiness of the grill with the richness of garlic-infused butter, resulting in mouthwatering shrimp that are full of savory goodness. By slow-cooking the shrimp in a smoker, they absorb a subtle smoky aroma, while the Cajun seasoning and minced garlic add depth and spice. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delectable seafood dish, this recipe is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your taste buds.
The Delicious Combination of Smoky and Buttery Flavors
Experience a delightful blend of flavors as the shrimp absorb the gentle smokiness from apple wood in this recipe. Preheating the smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit allows the shrimp to cook slowly and absorb the sweet and mild smoky taste. Apple wood chunks are recommended for their subtle and pleasing flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Flavorful Seasoning with Cajun Spice and Garlic
Enhance the taste of the shrimp with a delicious Cajun spice mix. This seasoning blend adds a flavorful kick and a touch of heat to the dish. Combined with minced garlic, it creates a mouthwatering profile for the shrimp. The Cajun spices and garlic work together to create an irresistible taste that will satisfy your palate.
Slow-Smoked to Perfection:
To ensure even cooking and optimal flavor infusion, arrange the shrimp in a skillet or foil tray, spreading them out in a single layer. This allows the shrimp to cook uniformly and absorb the smoky flavors more effectively. Top the shrimp with butter, adding richness and ensuring they stay moist and tender throughout the smoking process. For an added aroma, place rosemary sprigs on top of the shrimp, infusing them with a hint of herbal fragrance.
Preparation:
1. Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and use apple wood chunks for a smoky flavor.
Seasoning and Arranging the Shrimp:
2. In a bowl, combine the cleaned and deveined shrimp with a small amount of cooking oil to help the seasoning stick. Sprinkle the desired amount of Cajun spice mix over the shrimp and add the minced garlic. Mix well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
3. Take a skillet or a foil tray and arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and optimal flavor absorption. If using a skillet, ensure it is suitable for smoking.
Adding Butter and Rosemary:
4. Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the shrimp in the skillet or foil tray. The butter adds richness and helps keep the shrimp moist and tender. Place rosemary sprigs on top of the shrimp for an additional aromatic touch.
Smoking the Shrimp:
5. Carefully place the skillet or foil tray with the shrimp into the preheated smoker. Close the smoker and let the shrimp cook for approximately 35 minutes. This slow-cooking method allows the shrimp to absorb the delicate smoky flavors.
6. After 35 minutes, remove the skillet or tray from the smoker. Allow the smoked garlic butter shrimp to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnishing and Serving:
7. For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze some freshly squeezed lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving.
8. Serve the smoked garlic butter shrimp as an appetizer or main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with side dishes such as rice, salad, or crusty bread.
Smoked Garlic Butter Shrimp
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time 35 minutes mins
2 lbs large shrimp cleaned and deveined Cajun spice mix as desired 4 oz butter 6 cloves garlic minced 2 sprigs rosemary Freshly squeezed lemon juice for garnish Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and use apple wood chunks for a smoky flavor.
In a bowl, place the cleaned and deveined shrimp. Add a small amount of cooking oil as a binder to help the seasoning adhere to the shrimp.
Sprinkle the desired amount of Cajun spice mix over the shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add the minced garlic to the bowl and mix well to distribute the flavors.
Take a skillet or a foil tray and arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. This will ensure even cooking. If using a skillet, make sure it is suitable for smoking.
Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the shrimp. Place the rosemary sprigs on top of the shrimp for added aroma.
Carefully place the skillet or foil tray with the shrimp into the preheated smoker. Close the smoker and let the shrimp cook for approximately 35 minutes, allowing them to absorb the smoky flavor.
After 35 minutes, remove the skillet or tray from the smoker and let the smoked garlic butter shrimp cool for a few minutes.
Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serve the smoked garlic butter shrimp as an appetizer or main course. You can enjoy them as they are or pair them with your favorite side dishes such as rice, salad, or crusty bread.
Remember to exercise caution when handling hot equipment and cooked shrimp. Enjoy this flavorful dish with family and friends!
Smoked Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be prepared using different cooking methods to suit your preferences. While the recipe outlined above focuses on slow-smoking the shrimp, there are alternative ways to achieve equally delectable results.
Grilling Method:
To grill the garlic butter shrimp, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers to prevent them from falling through the grill grates. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and slightly charred. Baste the shrimp with melted garlic butter throughout the grilling process for added flavor.
Stovetop Method:
If you don’t have access to a smoker or grill, you can still enjoy the flavors of garlic butter shrimp using a stovetop. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are cooked through and pink. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and drizzle with melted butter for a rich and buttery finish.
Oven Method:
To prepare the shrimp in the oven, preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the minced garlic. Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle them with the garlic butter mixture for a burst of flavor.
With these alternative cooking methods, you can enjoy the tantalizing taste of garlic butter shrimp using a smoker, grill, stovetop, or oven. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that best suits your culinary preferences and available equipment. Whether you choose to smoke, grill, sauté, or bake the shrimp, you’re in for a treat with this flavorful dish.
Note: Remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the size and thickness of the shrimp to ensure they are cooked through properly.
DID YOU ENJOY THIS SMOKED GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP RECIPE RECIPE ? YOU’LL LOVE MY OTHER SEAFOOD RECIPES IN THE LINK BELOW! Seafood Recipes
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