There is something truly magical about the combination of tender shrimp gently cooked in a luscious Prosecco butter sauce that transforms a simple seafood dish into a celebration-worthy experience. This Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe effortlessly brings together the delicate sweetness of shrimp, the bright sparkle of Prosecco, and the rich creaminess of butter for a dish that feels elegant yet approachable. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or indulge in a special weeknight treat, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients, each playing an essential role in balancing bright, buttery, and aromatic notes that make every bite unforgettable.
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, shrimp offer a tender and juicy base perfect for soaking up the butter and Prosecco flavors.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter creates a silky, rich sauce that envelops the shrimp beautifully and adds indulgent flavor.
- 1/2 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine: Adds a lively, fruity brightness and subtle acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic depth that enhances every other ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Lemon zest brings a vibrant citrus aroma that brightens the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy note to cut through the richness and elevate the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the shrimp perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brings a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness as a perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As the butter melts into a golden pool, add the minced garlic and cook it for just about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with that unmistakable fragrant aroma, the perfect introduction to the flavors about to develop.
Step 2: Add Prosecco and Seasonings
Next, pour in the Prosecco, letting it come to a gentle simmer. The bubbles will soften as the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a lovely fruity tang. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This perfectly balanced blend creates a bright and flavorful sauce base that makes this Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe truly special.
Step 3: Poach the Shrimp
Now, slide the shrimp into the skillet in a single layer so they cook evenly. Let them poach gently for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch closely—the shrimp should turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked but still wonderfully tender. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp juicy and delicate.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to your serving platter, then spoon the luscious Prosecco butter sauce liberally over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and prepare to savor every bite.
How to Serve Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate the dish beautifully. Fresh parsley, beyond adding color, gives a light herbal contrast to the rich sauce. For a touch of zestiness, consider adding a few thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped chives for an extra layer of freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Crusty bread is your best friend here—perfect for soaking up the buttery Prosecco sauce that you won’t want to waste. For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp atop a bed of creamy risotto or al dente pasta, which complement the dish’s silky textures and flavors spectacularly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next gathering, serve the shrimp chilled atop a bed of arugula with a drizzle of the sauce warmed just before serving. Another idea is to skewer the shrimp for an elegant appetizer presentation, ideal for cocktail parties where guests can enjoy them easily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, and the flavors often marry even more deeply after resting.
Freezing
While freezing is an option, it’s best to freeze the shrimp and sauce separately if possible to maintain texture. Place shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container and keep the Prosecco butter sauce in a sealed jar. Use within one month for optimal taste and quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a bit of the butter sauce to avoid drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery and diminish the delicate flavor.
FAQs
Can I use white wine instead of Prosecco in this recipe?
Absolutely! A dry white wine is a great substitute and will still provide that lovely acidity and depth, though the sparkle and slight sweetness of Prosecco add a unique brightness that’s particularly delightful in this recipe.
What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
Large shrimp are ideal because they poach quickly and have a nice meaty texture. However, medium-sized shrimp will also work well; just adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is this dish suitable for a pescatarian diet?
Yes, it is! Since the recipe uses shrimp (seafood) and no meat, it fits perfectly into a pescatarian lifestyle while offering elegant, satisfying flavors.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce gives a lovely spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the buttery, citrusy notes.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp quickly?
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water, then peel by pulling off the shell starting from the legs. To devein, use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back and lift out the vein. Many stores also sell pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time.
Final Thoughts
This Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe is truly a little gem of a dish that brings elegance and ease to your table. The marriage of bubbly Prosecco, rich butter, and fresh shrimp delivers a flavor experience that’s both comforting and celebratory. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want to impress, indulge, or simply enjoy a fantastic meal at home with minimal fuss.
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Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer / Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
Delightfully elegant and simple to prepare, Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp features plump, tender shrimp gently cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with sparkling Prosecco. This Italian-inspired dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light main course, offering a perfect balance of rich flavors and a hint of citrus. Served garnished with fresh parsley, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pasta, or risotto to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Butter Poaching Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Prosecco or sparkling wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add Prosecco and Seasonings: Pour in the Prosecco and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to build the bright, aromatic sauce base.
- Poach the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain a tender texture.
- Plate and Garnish: Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon the buttery Prosecco sauce over the shrimp, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious buttery Prosecco sauce.
- For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp over cooked pasta or creamy risotto.
- To add a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce during cooking.
