If you love dishes that pack a punch of bold flavor with a hint of excitement, then you absolutely need to try this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe. This vibrant, tongue-tingling seafood dish brings together succulent shrimp bathed in a silky, buttery sauce that’s infused with garlic, chili flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that signature “drunken” tang. It’s an unforgettable meal that’s surprisingly quick to make yet impressive enough to serve to friends or family any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor, from the spice that wakes up your palate to the butter that adds richness and the acidity that brightens everything up.
- Shrimp, 1 pound: Fresh, peeled, and deveined for quick cooking and perfect texture.
- Salt, 1 tsp: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the shrimp perfectly.
- Garlic powder, 1 tsp: Adds depth to the shrimp seasoning with mild garlicky warmth.
- Sweet paprika, 1 tsp: Brings a sweet smokiness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Black pepper, 2 tsp divided: Adds sharp heat and complexity to both the shrimp and sauce.
- Olive oil, 1 tbsp: Perfect for searing the shrimp while contributing fruity undertones.
- Cold unsalted butter, 4 tbsp divided: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce with rich flavor.
- Shallot, 1 finely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, 6 minced: Infuses the sauce with vibrant, pungent garlic flavor.
- Chili flakes, 1 tsp (adjust to taste): Bring the spice that elevates this recipe to another level.
- Apple cider vinegar or white grape juice, ½ cup: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Fish broth or chicken broth, ¾ cup: Creates depth and umami in the sauce’s base.
- Fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp: Adds a fresh, zesty finish that livens every bite.
- Chopped parsley, 2 tbsp: For a pop of color and herbaceous freshness at the end.
How to Make Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with garlic powder, sweet paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper. This simple seasoning creates a flavorful crust once cooked, making each bite packed with savory depth right from the start. Letting the shrimp sit with these spices helps build a base for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shrimp, searing them for about one minute on each side just until they turn pink and opaque—this keeps them juicy and tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside so they don’t overcook while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté gently for around two minutes until fragrant and soft, releasing the wonderful aroma that’s the hallmark of this dish. Then sprinkle in the chili flakes, remaining salt, and black pepper to immediately awaken the sauce with spicy, savory notes.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the apple cider vinegar or white grape juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those delicious browned bits—known as ‘fond’—that bring so much flavor. Let this simmer for about three minutes so the acidity gently mellows while concentrating the base flavors.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Now add the fish broth (or chicken broth) and bring everything to a boil. Stir in the remaining three tablespoons of cold butter slowly, whisking until the sauce thickens into a smooth, velvety emulsion. This rich buttery finish is what makes the sauce so irresistibly silky and indulgent.
Step 6: Finish with the Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and simmer together for one minute to let the flavors marry perfectly. Just before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice and the chopped parsley, adding a fresh brightness and a burst of color that makes this dish sing.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Your Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe is now ready to delight! Serve it hot, allowing the buttery sauce to soak into crusty bread or over pasta and rice. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of heat, tang, and richness that’s utterly addictive.
How to Serve Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic and lovely, but you can also experiment with thin lemon slices or a scattering of freshly chopped chives for a delicate oniony note. These garnishes not only boost the appearance but also add hints of freshness and brightness that balance the spice and richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the luscious sauce, but if you prefer something heartier, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple buttered pasta. Light, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad also make excellent accompaniments, adding texture and calming the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the shrimp in individual shallow bowls with the sauce ladled over. Alternatively, create a shareable platter with grilled bread on the side, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for everyone to dig in. This hands-on style is perfect for entertaining and makes the experience even more convivial.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spicy Drunken Shrimp keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked or stored too long, try to enjoy leftovers quickly for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this dish due to the buttery sauce and cooked shrimp, which may become mushy or lose their texture upon thawing. If necessary, freeze uncooked, seasoned shrimp separately and prepare the sauce fresh when ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating or the shrimp from toughening. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can unevenly heat and dry out the shrimp. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to refresh the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent a good sear.
What if I don’t have fish broth?
Chicken broth is a perfect substitute and still provides a nice depth of flavor, making it a pantry-friendly option.
How spicy is the Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level depends on how many chili flakes you use. The recipe suggests one teaspoon, but you can adjust to your personal taste for more or less spice.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a tasty option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the sauce and seasoning in advance, but it’s best to cook the shrimp fresh right before serving to preserve their texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s bold, buttery, and bright with the perfect balance of spice and acidity—a real showstopper on any table. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and enjoy every flavorful bite with friends or family. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite dish to share!
Print
Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Spicy Drunken Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp with a spicy, buttery, and tangy sauce made from garlic, shallots, chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, and fish broth. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of heat and acidity, enhanced by fresh lemon juice and parsley, served best with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 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)
Liquids and Finishing Touches
- 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, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Toss everything well to evenly coat the shrimp and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sear them for about 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for around 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in the chili flakes, remaining salt, and black pepper to develop the spicy depth of the sauce.
- Deglaze: Pour in the apple cider vinegar or white grape juice to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the fish broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of cold butter gradually to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that is rich and glossy.
- Finish with Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Let them simmer in the sauce for 1 minute to warm through and absorb the flavors. Finally, add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to incorporate.
- Serve: Serve the spicy drunken shrimp hot, accompanied by crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious and flavorful sauce.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a non-alcoholic twist, white grape juice works just as well as apple cider vinegar.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp for tender results.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pasta, or steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
- If fish broth is unavailable, chicken broth is a good substitute but will alter the flavor slightly.
