There’s nothing quite like the invigorating scent of garlic sizzling in a hot skillet, and when you add the unmistakable hint of vodka, the kitchen transforms into a vibrant culinary haven. I first created these Spicy Drunken Shrimp on a whim after realizing I had some fresh shrimp and a bottle of vodka begging to be used. Little did I know that just 20 minutes later, I would be savoring a dish bursting with rich flavors and a tantalizing kick that left everyone at the table asking for seconds.
This recipe expertly marries tender shrimp with a robust, buttery sauce infused with garlic, chili flakes, and a splash of lemon juice for a burst of brightness. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, these Spicy Drunken Shrimp are the answer to your mealtime monotony. Pair them with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce, and prepare for an experience that makes fast food a distant memory!
Why love Spicy Drunken Shrimp?
Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that could easily pass for a gourmet restaurant offering.
Bold Flavors: The zesty combination of garlic, vodka, and chili flakes packs a flavor punch, ensuring every bite is a delight.
Versatile Option: Serve as an elegant appetizer or pair it with pasta or salad for a satisfying meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and guests alike with a dish that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious—perfect for any occasion.
No Overcooking Worries: Thanks to the quick cooking time, you can ensure shrimp remains perfectly tender without fussing over lengthy cooking methods.
Spicy Drunken Shrimp Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Shrimp – Peeled and deveined; adds protein and substance—substitute with thawed frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available.
• Garlic – Used generously to create a robust flavor; fresh cloves are recommended for the best taste.
• Shallot – Provides sweetness and depth; can replace with a small brown onion in a pinch.
For the Sauce
• Vodka – Enhances the flavors without a noticeable alcohol taste; substitute with fish, chicken, or vegetable broth for an alcohol-free option.
• Fish Broth – Forms the base of the sauce; can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
• Oil and Butter – For cooking shrimp and crafting a rich sauce; use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.
For Seasoning
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for basic flavor; adjust to taste.
• Sweet Paprika – Adds a mild sweetness; enhances the dish’s color.
• Garlic Powder – Boosts the garlic flavor; a great addition for extra depth.
• Chili Flakes – Offers the necessary heat; adjust based on preferred spiciness.
For Finishing Touches
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish and balances richness; more can be added to taste.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
Dive into this vibrant recipe for Spicy Drunken Shrimp and prepare to awaken your taste buds!
How to Make Spicy Drunken Shrimp
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Season Shrimp: Start by seasoning the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. Let them rest for a few minutes to absorb those delicious flavors.
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Sear Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side, until they are opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and finely chopped shallot to the same skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until they are soft and fragrant.
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Deglaze with Vodka: Sprinkle in the chili flakes, along with any remaining salt and black pepper. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the vodka, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Create Sauce: Add the fish broth to the pan and bring it to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in the remaining butter until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
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Finish Cooking: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet for an additional minute, ensuring they heat through. Just before serving, drizzle a bit of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for brightness.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delectable sauce!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Spicy Drunken Shrimp?
Planning the perfect meal involves delightful accompaniments that elevate the experience, and here are some wonderful pairings to enhance your dish.
- Crusty Bread: The ultimate side, perfect for dipping into the rich, buttery sauce and soaking up every flavorful drop.
- Garlic Butter Pasta: A light garlic and butter pasta creates a lovely harmony, allowing the shrimp to shine while adding a comforting element to your plate.
A beautiful linguine tossed in garlic and olive oil can complement the bold flavors of the shrimp, becoming a memorable combination.
- Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch, balancing the richness of the shrimp.
- Sauteed Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice provide a delightful crunch—adding a touch of elegance to your meal.
Pairing them with the shrimp allows the robust flavors to contrast nicely, showcasing freshness while highlighting the dish’s spiciness.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc brings a refreshing quality; each sip enhances the meal’s zest and spice.
- Mango Salsa: A fruity, spicy salsa with diced mango, red onion, and cilantro offers a sweet and tangy lift, enhancing the heat of the shrimp.
This fruity companion brings a tropical twist, making each bite a vibrant sensory experience, perfect for summer evenings or any celebratory occasion.
- Lemon Sorbet: To cool the palate after the spicy shrimp, a refreshing lemon sorbet serves as a light, zesty dessert that cleanses the taste buds.
These pairings not only elevate your Spicy Drunken Shrimp dish but also turn your meal into a delightful culinary celebration!
Make Ahead Options
These Spicy Drunken Shrimp are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, enhancing their flavor while saving precious time for busy weeknights. Additionally, prepare the sauce (excluding the shrimp) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days to keep everything fresh. When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat the sauce over medium heat until it’s warmed through, then return the marinated shrimp to the skillet and finish cooking as instructed. This method guarantees that your dish will taste just as delicious, with all the bold flavors intact, while allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
Expert Tips for Spicy Drunken Shrimp
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be a quick substitute but ensure they’re fully thawed.
- Searing Technique: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp, or they’ll steam instead of sear. This helps achieve that gorgeous golden color and firm texture.
- Watch Cooking Time: Shrimp cooks quickly! They should be pink and firm. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so keep a close eye.
- Adjust Heat: Modify chili flakes according to your spice preference—start with less if you’re unsure and add more for that perfect kick!
- Deglazing Importance: Don’t skip deglazing with vodka. It not only adds flavor but helps lift flavorful bits stuck to the skillet, enhancing your sauce.
- Rest & Reheat: If you make it ahead, let the dish rest to allow flavors to meld. Reheat gently to keep shrimp tender in each serving of Spicy Drunken Shrimp.
Spicy Drunken Shrimp Variations
Feel free to take this recipe and make it your own with these fun twists and substitutions.
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Wine Swap: Replace vodka with a neutral dry white wine for a lighter, fruity flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition—these veggies soak up the sauce and add delightful texture.
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Broth Swap: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of fish broth for a different base flavor that still keeps things deliciously savory.
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Spice Variation: Experiment with different types of chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a more intense heat that suits your palate.
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Herbal Twist: Fresh basil or cilantro can create an aromatic spin, bringing a hint of freshness that brightens the hearty sauce.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce that creates a luxurious finish to your shrimp dish.
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Seafood Medley: Add mussels or scallops in with the shrimp for a seafood extravaganza that will wow your guests even more.
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Tomato Flair: Incorporate diced tomatoes for a rich, saucy texture that marries well with the flavors—perfect for pasta lovers!
Each of these variations can elevate the dish while keeping the essence of Spicy Drunken Shrimp intact, so let your taste buds be your guide!
How to Store and Freeze Spicy Drunken Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Gently reheat on low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the skillet to help moisture retention and prevent rubbery shrimp.
Wrapping: Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain flavor freshness and avoid freezer burn.
Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp which provides a wonderful texture and flavor. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before using.
What is the best way to store leftover Spicy Drunken Shrimp?
Very good question! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s important to gently reheat the shrimp on low heat to avoid making them rubbery. Just warm them until heated through for the best taste!
Can I freeze Spicy Drunken Shrimp?
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To do this, make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to retain its flavors.
What if my shrimp are overcooked or rubbery?
Don’t worry! If your shrimp have turned out rubbery, it may have been from cooking too quickly or too slowly. In the future, aim for that pink, firm texture after about 1-2 minutes of searing per side. If you’ve overcooked them, try serving them with a rich sauce or accompanying them with a creamy dip to help balance the texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you or anyone you’re serving has allergies, be cautious with the shrimps and seasonings. For a healthier alternative, replace vodka with vegetable or chicken broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol. This dish is also gluten-free, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
The more the merrier! To modify the spice level, simply adjust the amount of chili flakes you use. If you’re unsure, start with less and add gradually until you reach your desired heat level. Enjoy exploring that zing!
Deliciously Spicy Drunken Shrimp Ready in Just 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. Let them rest for a few minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side, until opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic and finely chopped shallot to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until soft.
- Sprinkle in chili flakes, along with remaining salt and black pepper. Deglaze the skillet with vodka, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add fish broth and bring to a gentle boil. Whisk in remaining butter until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet for an additional minute. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
