If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances juicy shrimp with bold, buttery flavors, look no further than Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp Recipe. This beloved classic captures the essence of coastal cooking with a simple yet irresistible combination of garlic, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning. It’s a fast, flavorful skillet meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite seafood restaurant, right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe brings a splash of seaside magic to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and delivering that delightful contrast between tender, juicy shrimp and zesty, aromatic seasonings. These essentials come together effortlessly, making the cooking process as enjoyable as the eating.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient, shrimp provide a meaty texture and mild sweetness that soaks up the seasonings beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps cook the garlic gently and balances the richness of the butter.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with pungent, savory notes that elevate every bite.
- 1/4 cup white wine: Brings acidity and a subtle fruity complexity for depth in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides bright, fresh acidity that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: A signature seafood spice blend that adds warmth and a hint of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky aroma that rounds out the seasoning profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Freshens and colors the dish with a burst of herbaceous fragrance.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Perfect for squeezing extra zing over the finished shrimp.
How to Make Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Warm Up Your Base
Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This combination gives you the perfect balance of rich creaminess and bright fruitiness, setting the stage for the garlic to bloom beautifully.
Step 2: Garlic Magic
Add the minced garlic and cook it gently for about one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as you want that lovely, mellow garlic flavor to infuse the oil, creating the foundation for the shrimp’s tasty coating.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Next, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so they develop a nice sear on one side, locking in their natural juices and giving you that delicate, firm texture we all love.
Step 4: Build Your Sauce
Flip the shrimp over and pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Season with Old Bay, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices join forces with the wine’s acidity to create a vibrant sauce that coats each shrimp with a punch of flavor.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Garnish
Allow the shrimp to cook another 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque throughout. Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley, and serve right away accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra citrus sparkle.
How to Serve Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is your best friend here. It adds a wonderful color contrast and a subtle herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish. A wedge or two of lemon on the side lets everyone brighten each bite exactly to their taste.
Side Dishes
This shrimp recipe shines served over fluffy rice or tossed with pasta to soak up every last bit of that buttery, garlicky sauce. If you’re feeling rustic, crusty bread works wonders for dipping and savoring both the shrimp and the flavorful pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp on skewers for an appetizer-style presentation or pile them atop a fresh green salad for a light, protein-packed meal. No matter how you plate it, Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp Recipe always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover shrimp to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 2 days, making for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner the following day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed container for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or butter helps keep the sauce silky and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove any excess moisture before cooking to get that perfect sear and prevent sogginess.
What can I substitute if I don’t have white wine?
You can replace white wine with chicken broth or even water combined with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to keep the acidity and depth of flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Yes! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the seasonings instantly amps up the heat for those who like a little kick.
How do I ensure the shrimp don’t get rubbery?
Cooking shrimp quickly over medium heat and removing them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque will guarantee tender, juicy shrimp every time.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain their perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and comforting. It’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavors that make you feel like you’re dining seaside. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try tonight and watch it become a new favorite in your rotation!
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Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make shrimp dish cooked in a garlic butter and white wine sauce, enhanced with lemon juice and classic Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this American seafood skillet recipe delivers succulent shrimp with a delightful smoky and tangy kick.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Sauce and Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with olive oil until well combined and hot.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Cook Shrimp First Side: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they start turning pink.
- Flip Shrimp and Add Seasonings: Flip the shrimp over, then immediately add the white wine, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook Shrimp Second Side: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully pink, opaque, and cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Ideal accompaniments include rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
