If you’re dreaming of a dish that feels both elegant and effortlessly delicious, this Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine succulent shrimp gently cooked in a luscious butter and Prosecco sauce, infused with garlic, shallots, and a kiss of lemon—each bite bursting with rich, nuanced flavors that make weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion. It’s a timeless Italian-inspired main course that’s impressively simple to prepare yet stunningly impressive to serve, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together to create silky textures, vibrant flavors, and beautiful aromas. The list is refreshingly straightforward, making it easy to gather what you need without any fuss.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): The star of the dish, these provide a tender, juicy base with a mildly sweet seafood flavor.
- 1 cup Prosecco: Adds a delicate fizz and fruity acidity that brightens the shrimp and balances the butter’s richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes): Creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that gently poaches the shrimp for perfect tenderness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a warm, aromatic punch that infuses the sauce throughout.
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a gentle hint of heat that awakens the palate.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lifts the dish with a refreshing tang and brightens the butter sauce’s richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a splash of color and a fresh, herbal note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for squeezing over as a finishing touch to complement each bite.
How to Make Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Aromatics
Start by warming your skillet over medium heat and combine the Prosecco, minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this mixture gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly reduces and the fragrant scents meld beautifully. This step is crucial because it intensifies the flavors while softening the aromatics just enough to create a flavorful base for poaching.
Step 2: Whisk in the Butter
Lower the heat to low and begin adding your cubed butter slowly, whisking continuously as each cube melts. This gradual incorporation helps emulsify the butter into the Prosecco, resulting in a silky, irresistible sauce. The sauce should be velvety and slightly thickened by the time you’ve incorporated all the butter, ready to gently caress the shrimp.
Step 3: Poach the Shrimp
Now, place the peeled and deveined shrimp in the skillet in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Poach them gently in the bubbling butter and Prosecco bath for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning once halfway through. You want the shrimp to turn opaque and curl just slightly—this means they’re perfectly cooked and tender.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Seasoning
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp, adding a burst of green and fresh flavor. Serve the shrimp right away with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
How to Serve Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes work best to keep the spotlight on your luscious shrimp. A light sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a fresh herbal flavor and pops of color. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—they’re perfect for guests to squeeze over their shrimp for a tangy lift that complements every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to mop up the dreamy butter sauce. You can also serve it over creamy polenta or angel hair pasta, which soak up the rich flavors beautifully. A crisp green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the indulgent shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping meal, arrange the shrimp over a bed of lightly wilted spinach or serve them atop buttery mashed potatoes. Presenting the shrimp in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of sauce and a sprig of parsley elevates the experience, making it feel like a plated restaurant dish at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep well for up to two days. To maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor, be sure to reheat gently.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t highly recommended for the cooked shrimp with the buttery sauce since the texture may change upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, place the shrimp and sauce separately in sealable containers or freezer bags and consume within a month for best quality.
Reheating
When reheating your Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe leftovers, do so gently over low heat on the stove. This preserves the delicate texture of the shrimp and prevents the butter from breaking. A quick warm in a covered pan with a splash of white wine or broth can revive the sauce’s silky finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sauce’s consistency.
Is it necessary to use Prosecco, or can I substitute with another wine?
While Prosecco adds a unique light sweetness and fizz, you can substitute with a dry white wine or sparkling wine for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute or a good quality olive oil. The sauce will be less creamy but still flavorful and delightful.
What can I do to add more spice to the dish?
Try increasing the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when simmering the aromatics. Fresh chili slices also make a vibrant spicy addition.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a large enough skillet or cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they poach evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way shrimp soaks up the gentle, buttery Prosecco sauce in this Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe—creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Easy to prepare yet packed with sophisticated flavors, it’s perfect whether you’re impressing guests or simply elevating your everyday dinner. Give this recipe a try and discover how a handful of simple, quality ingredients transforms into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll want to make again and again.
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Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp is an elegant and flavorful dish featuring large shrimp gently poached in a rich, buttery Prosecco sauce infused with garlic, shallots, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for a sophisticated yet straightforward seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Cooking Liquids
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 1 cup Prosecco
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the Prosecco, minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it reduces slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Incorporate the Butter: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the cubed unsalted butter, adding a few pieces at a time. Allow each addition to melt fully and emulsify into the Prosecco sauce, creating a silky and smooth texture.
- Poach the Shrimp: Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Poach them gently in the butter-Prosecco sauce for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp turn opaque and are fully cooked through.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve the prosecco butter poached shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the shrimp before enjoying.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, substitute part of the butter with a touch of olive oil or finish the sauce with a splash of cream.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pasta, or served over creamy polenta.
