As I stood in my kitchen, the intoxicating aroma of garlic and fresh lemon danced in the air, instantly lifting my spirits. With just a few simple ingredients, I found myself transported to a quaint Italian bistro where Fried Shrimp with Garlic White Wine Sauce becomes an unforgettable experience.
This delightful dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a celebration of the joys of homemade meals. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly dinner or an elegant dish for a special occasion, this Shrimp Francese recipe is your ticket to impressing everyone at the table.
Perfectly crisp shrimp, sautéed to golden perfection, are coated in a luscious garlic-infused sauce reminiscent of warm evenings under twinkling stars. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can create a meal that feels luxuriously indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this culinary adventure!
Why will you love Shrimp Francese?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic and white wine infuses the shrimp with a mouthwatering taste that will have you coming back for more.
Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this dish even on busy weeknights.
Fresh Ingredients: Using colossal shrimp and fresh lemon ensures a vibrant flavor profile that elevates your dining experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Impress your family or guests with a restaurant-quality meal made right in your home kitchen.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfectly pair this Shrimp Francese with rice, linguine, or crusty bread for a wonderful meal that fits any occasion.
Shrimp Francese Ingredients
• Let’s gather what you need for this flavorful dish!
For the Shrimp
• Colossal shrimp – Cleaned, deveined, and butterflied for the perfect texture in every bite.
• Large eggs – Beaten to create a rich coating that seals in flavor and moisture.
For the Dredging
• Flour – Essential for creating a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
For the Sauce
• Olive oil – A touch adds a fruity flavor and helps achieve a golden sear on the shrimp.
• Butter – Divided for both frying the shrimp and enriching the sauce for a velvety finish.
• Garlic – Minced, it’s the star that brings aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Dry white wine – Adds acidity and sophistication, forming the backbone of the garlicky sauce.
• Low-sodium chicken stock – Ensures you can control the saltiness while adding rich flavor.
• Lemon – Fresh slices brighten the dish, enhancing both visual appeal and taste.
• Lemon juice – A squeeze adds a zesty pop that harmonizes beautifully with the shrimp.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste and elevating all the flavors.
• Flat-leaf Italian parsley – Finely minced, bringing a burst of freshness as a garnish.
Enjoy crafting this Shrimp Francese and filling your kitchen with delightful aromas!
How to Make Shrimp Francese
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Set Up Your Station: Prepare a frying station by placing the butterflied shrimp, a bowl of flour, and a bowl with the beaten eggs mixed with half of the parsley. This organization will streamline your cooking process!
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Heat the Pan: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Once warm, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing them to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
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Season and Dredge: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shake off the excess, and dip it into the egg wash. Place them gently in the pan, working in batches, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Prepare the Sauce: After frying, wipe down the pan, then add 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Add 3 tablespoons of reserved flour and whisk until smooth.
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Add Wine and Stock: Pour in the dry white wine and increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil for 1 minute while whisking. Next, pour in the chicken stock and lemon juice, continuing to whisk and boil for another minute. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the lemon slices. Gently coat the shrimp in the sauce and heat through for 3-4 minutes while spooning the sauce over.
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Finish and Serve: Stir in the remaining parsley right before serving. This Shrimp Francese is wonderful over rice, linguine, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Optional: Garnish with additional parsley for a vibrant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Shrimp Francese Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own while keeping that delicious flavor front and center!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a crispy, gluten-free coating.
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Citrus Twist: Instead of lemon, try using lime or orange for a unique zing that brightens up the dish.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or dill to the sauce for an aromatic twist that elevates the shrimp’s natural flavors.
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Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the chicken stock for a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for drenching!
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce to give your shrimp a fiery, mouthwatering heat that will delight your palate.
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes with the shrimp for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
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Wine Swap: Experiment with a splash of sherry or even a touch of vodka, creating a different flavor profile while maintaining that lovely sauce.
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Shrimp Alternatives: Substitute colossal shrimp with scallops or even cubed chicken breast for a delightful variation on this classic dish. Enjoy the journey as you explore different flavors!
Make Ahead Options
These Shrimp Francese are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can clean, devein, and butterfly the colossal shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can prepare the garlic white wine sauce and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just remember to store it in an airtight container to maintain its rich flavor. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over medium-low heat, return the shrimp to the pan, and gently heat through for about 3-4 minutes. This way, you’ll have a delightful dish on your table in no time, just as delicious as if made fresh!
What to Serve with Fried Shrimp with Garlic White Wine Sauce?
Creating a full meal around this mouthwatering shrimp dish adds to the experience and captivates all the senses.
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Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlic-infused bread pairs perfectly, allowing you to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
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Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon echoes the shrimp’s flavors and offers a satisfying base.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.
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Steamed Asparagus: Tender, vibrant asparagus brings a lovely crunch while complementing the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
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Pasta Aglio e Olio: This simple garlic and olive oil pasta echoes the sauce’s flavors and offers a comforting heft to the meal.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish, highlighting the wine used in the cooking process for a harmonious experience.
This combination not only elevates the meal but also adds a touch of elegance to your dining table, leaving your guests truly impressed!
Expert Tips for Shrimp Francese
Perfect Coating: Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before dredging to achieve that coveted crispy exterior without excess moisture.
Don’t Crowds the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil’s temperature, which prevents steaming and ensures even cooking for your Shrimp Francese.
Taste as You Go: Always taste the sauce before adding more seasoning; the flavors should balance beautifully without overpowering the shrimp.
Watch the Heat: Keep the pan at medium-low when adding the shrimp back; high heat can overcook them and ruin your dish.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest shrimp and lemons available to enhance the flavors; quality ingredients make a world of difference!
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp Francese
Room Temperature: It’s best to enjoy Shrimp Francese fresh. If you need to keep it out, limit exposure to 2 hours at room temperature.
Fridge: Store leftover Shrimp Francese in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezer: While not ideal, you can freeze Shrimp Francese for up to 2 months. Pack tightly in a freezer-safe container, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to restore moisture. Enjoy your savory dish!
Shrimp Francese Recipe FAQs
What size shrimp should I use for Shrimp Francese?
I recommend using colossal shrimp for this dish—they provide a delightful texture and are easy to coat and fry. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild sea scent. If you can’t find colossal shrimp, large shrimp will work fine, but try to avoid overcooked or mushy shrimp.
How should I store leftovers of Shrimp Francese?
Store any leftover Shrimp Francese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled before you seal the container to avoid condensation. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it juicy.
Can I freeze Shrimp Francese?
Absolutely! Although shrimp dishes can be tricky to freeze, you can freeze Shrimp Francese for up to 2 months. To do this, let it cool completely, then pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding some stock or water if necessary.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your garlic white wine sauce is thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Simply add a splash of chicken stock or water and whisk until you reach your desired consistency. This will also help meld the flavors more and keep the dish from feeling heavy.
Is Shrimp Francese suitable for those with seafood allergies?
If you’re serving someone with shellfish allergies, it’s best to avoid this dish as it features shrimp, which can trigger allergic reactions. You can consider using a fish alternative or creating a similar garlic wine sauce with sautéed vegetables if you’re looking for a seafood-inspired meal without the shrimp.
What can I serve with Shrimp Francese?
For a well-rounded meal, I often recommend serving Shrimp Francese over rice, linguine, or with crusty bread. The sauce is exquisite for dipping! You might also consider a refreshing side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness of the dish. Enjoy!
Savory Shrimp Francese with Garlic Wine Sauce Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare a frying station by placing the butterflied shrimp, a bowl of flour, and a bowl with the beaten eggs mixed with half of the parsley.
- Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Add olive oil and butter, allowing them to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
- Pat the shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, dip into the egg wash, and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Wipe down the pan, add butter and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add reserved flour and whisk until smooth.
- Pour in dry white wine, bring to a boil for 1 minute. Pour in chicken stock and lemon juice, whisk and boil for another minute.
- Lower heat, return shrimp and lemon slices to pan, gently coat in sauce, heat through for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in remaining parsley right before serving.