5 from 1 vote

Cast-Iron Shrimp with Honey

Cast-iron cookware has been a staple in kitchens for centuries, and for good reason. Not only does it offer exceptional heat retention and distribution, but it also imparts a unique flavor to dishes that cannot be replicated with other types of cookware.

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Cast-Iron Shrimp

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings People

Calories 228kcal

Equipment

1 Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp Unsalted butter
2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp Lemon juice (Optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

4 cups Lettuce chopped
1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved (Or one large tomato chopped)
1 small Red onion, thinly sliced (Optional)
1 medium Cucumber, sliced
¼ cup Crumbled feta cheese (Optional)
2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp Honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the cast-iron skillet - Place the cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it reaches a medium-high temperature.
Melt the butter - Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Swirl the butter around the skillet to coat the bottom evenly.
Add the shrimp - Carefully place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp using tongs or a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Season with lemon juice (optional), salt, and pepper - Drizzle the honey over the shrimp and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the flavors.
Cook for an additional minute - Continue cooking the shrimp for an additional minute, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and ensure that the shrimp are fully cooked.
Remove from heat - Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. The residual heat will keep the shrimp warm while you prepare the salad.

Notes

Tips for achieving the perfect buttery shrimp

Cooking shrimp may seem like a simple task, but there are a few tips and tricks that can elevate your dish to the next level. By keeping these tips in mind while preparing the buttery shrimp, you'll ensure a fantastic flavor profile and a delightful dining experience. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect buttery shrimp:

Choose high-quality shrimp: The quality of the shrimp you use will greatly impact the taste and texture of the dish. Opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp if possible, as they tend to have a sweeter and more tender flavor compared to farmed shrimp.
Don't overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking, and remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque. This will ensure that they remain tender and juicy.
Season the shrimp generously: Shrimp have a mild flavor, so it's important to season them well to bring out their best qualities. Don't be afraid to use salt, pepper, and other seasonings to enhance the taste of the shrimp. The addition of lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that complements the buttery flavor.
Let the shrimp rest before serving: After cooking the shrimp, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and succulent shrimp.
Use a cast-iron skillet for optimal results: As mentioned earlier, using a cast-iron skillet is key to achieving the perfect buttery shrimp. The skillet's ability to retain and distribute heat evenly ensures that the shrimp cook to perfection and develop a beautiful sear.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating buttery shrimp that are sure to impress. Now that we've covered the shrimp, let's move on to the next section to explore the benefits of using honey in the recipe.

Nutrition