These Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp are the perfect blend of elegance and ease. With just five ingredients, this recipe elevates shrimp to a new level of flavor. The shrimp are poached in a sauce made from Prosecco, butter, lemon, and garlic, creating a rich and luxurious dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a simple yet sophisticated dinner. The delicate flavors of Prosecco and butter complement the shrimp beautifully, making it a standout meal that’s both easy and impressive.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 cup Prosecco (or dry white wine)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lemon, thinly sliced
Directions
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Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, combine the Prosecco, butter, garlic, and lemon slices. Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. -
Poach the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. -
Serve:
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and serve immediately, drizzling some of the buttery Prosecco sauce over the top. You can garnish with extra lemon slices or herbs if desired.
Nutrients (approximate per serving)
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Calories: 350-400 kcal
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Fat: 25g
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Saturated Fat: 10g
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Cholesterol: 170mg
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Sodium: 300mg
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Potassium: 220mg
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 4g
Why Prosecco and Butter?
When you think of fine dining or an elegant dinner, Prosecco and butter are often associated with rich, refined flavors. Prosecco, a sparkling wine, is known for its crisp acidity and slight effervescence, which provides a unique depth when combined with butter in a poaching liquid. The butter adds richness and silkiness, creating a creamy base for the shrimp. Together, they form a delicate sauce that doesn’t overwhelm the shrimp’s natural flavors but rather enhances them, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that you’ll savor with every bite. It’s a blend of light and rich, offering the best of both worlds.
The Prosecco adds subtle fruity and floral notes, which naturally complement seafood, while the butter rounds out the flavors and provides an indulgent texture. It’s a perfect marriage of flavors, bringing a sense of opulence without requiring complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious.
The Poaching Process: Why It Works
Poaching is one of the best ways to cook shrimp because it keeps them tender and juicy, preventing them from becoming tough or rubbery, which can happen when they’re overcooked. Poaching the shrimp in a flavorful liquid like Prosecco and butter ensures that they absorb the delicate, rich flavors while retaining their natural sweetness. The low-and-slow cooking method allows the shrimp to infuse the sauce without becoming overcooked, ensuring they stay soft and tender throughout.
It’s important to keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook, as shrimp cook quickly. When poaching shrimp in this luxurious sauce, you’ll notice them turning pink and opaque—signs that they are cooked to perfection. The key is to cook them just long enough for them to absorb the flavors of the sauce while maintaining their delicate texture.
The Garlic and Lemon: Bright and Savory
Garlic and lemon are classic ingredients that work beautifully with seafood. In this dish, the garlic brings a savory depth to the sauce, and the lemon adds a refreshing burst of acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter and Prosecco. The lemon slices infuse the poaching liquid with a subtle citrus flavor, while the zestiness of the garlic gives the dish an aromatic layer that complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Both ingredients are used sparingly but effectively to balance the richness of the butter and Prosecco without overpowering the dish.
Lemon also brings an uplifting, fresh quality to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The combination of garlic and lemon is a classic pairing that adds just the right amount of depth, brightness, and freshness to this indulgent dish, providing a harmonious balance of flavors that excite the palate.
Serving the Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp
Once the shrimp are perfectly poached in the luxurious Prosecco butter sauce, it’s time to serve. The shrimp can be served with a drizzle of the rich poaching liquid, allowing the flavors to soak into the shrimp for an extra burst of flavor. To make the dish even more impressive, you can garnish it with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, adding a pop of color and an additional layer of freshness.
Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp is versatile in how you can serve it. For a complete meal, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of pasta, which will soak up the flavorful butter sauce, making every bite even more indulgent. For a low-carb option, consider pairing it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to maintain the elegance of the dish without the carbs. A crusty baguette is another great accompaniment, perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
For a more elegant presentation, you can serve the shrimp in a shallow bowl or on a platter, artfully arranged with the poaching liquid drizzled over the top. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs, allowing your guests to enjoy the full experience of the rich, aromatic sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp.
The Perfect Drink Pairing
Since Prosecco is an integral part of the dish, it’s only fitting that you pair this meal with a glass of Prosecco or another dry white wine. The crispness of Prosecco enhances the shrimp’s delicate flavors while matching the lightness of the dish. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio also works well, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the butter sauce. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon can mimic the effervescence of the Prosecco, providing a refreshing balance.
Nutritional Information of Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp
While this dish is indulgent, it still offers great nutritional benefits, especially from the shrimp, which are a great source of lean protein. Each serving contains around 30 grams of protein, helping you feel full and satisfied. The butter adds richness and fat, but the dish is balanced by the lightness of the Prosecco and the refreshing brightness from the lemon.
The 350-400 calories per serving are primarily from healthy fats (such as those found in the butter) and the protein from the shrimp. The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following low-carb or keto diets. The dish is also a source of potassium and provides a moderate amount of sodium, so it’s good to serve it with sides that balance out the sodium content, such as fresh vegetables or a light salad.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp is a must-try because it’s the perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity. With just five ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare but feels like something special you’d order at a high-end restaurant. The luxurious, buttery sauce, combined with the light effervescence of the Prosecco, creates a rich and flavorful base that perfectly complements the shrimp.
This recipe is incredibly versatile—it works for an elegant dinner party, a romantic date night, or even as a standout dish for a special occasion like a holiday dinner. The poaching method makes it easy to prepare large quantities, so it’s perfect for entertaining a group without spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp is an easy-to-make but indulgent dish that will elevate any meal. The combination of shrimp, butter, Prosecco, garlic, and lemon creates a flavor-packed sauce that infuses the shrimp with delicate, sophisticated flavors. Whether you serve it with pasta, vegetables, or a light salad, this dish will impress your guests and make you feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant. It’s perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat to yourself when you want something luxurious, yet simple to prepare. Treat yourself to this elegant dish and experience the delicious blend of flavors with every bite.