No seafood is more suited to quick, low-stress dinners than shrimp. Whether swimming in a tomatoey stew, scattered into buttery pasta, or served over quick grits, this shellfish has appeared in plenty of 5:30 Challenge recipes.

While the aforementioned shrimp preparations have been delicious, I have found myself wanting a dish that is entirely focused on shrimp. I wanted a recipe that celebrates their texture, and requires little more than bread for sopping up a buttery, briny sauce.

For this all-about-the-shrimp dinner, I’ve taken a basic butter sauce and added zest and spice with a Cajun spice blend and garlic. A couple tablespoons of Worcestershire bring umami into the mix.

You’ll want to use shell-on shrimp. If you’re buying them frozen from the grocery store, look for them labeled “easy-peel.” Keep them frozen until you’re ready to cook. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl in the sink, fill the bowl with cold water, and then adjust the faucet water flow so that cold water runs over the shrimp in a slow, steady stream.

Once the shrimp are no longer icy, simply toss them in the seasoning mix and saute them in a mixture of butter, garlic and Worcestershire. When the shrimp turn pink, add a few tablespoons of water, bring it to a boil, then whisk in a touch more butter until it forms a creamy, rich sauce. Bring a bowl of lemon wedges to the table for serving.

Cajun Shrimp. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLIS
icon to expand image

RELATED:

Read more stories like this by liking Atlanta Restaurant Scene on Facebook, following @ATLDiningNews on Twitter and @ajcdining on Instagram.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Foo Fighters closed out Shaky Knees 2024 at Central Park with extended versions of their biggest hits. The indie rock festival has moved to Piedmont Park for this weekend's event. (Ryan Fleisher for the AJC)

Credit: Ryan Fleisher

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com