Garlic and brown butter shrimp with parmesan risotto

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
10 Min Read

Recipe for Garlic and Brown Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Risotto

Discover how to prepare a dish that combines the creamy smoothness of risotto with the intense flavor of garlic and brown butter shrimp. This simple yet sophisticated recipe stands out for its fresh ingredients and accessible home cooking techniques, ideal for enjoying a gourmet experience in your own kitchen.

Preparation time

To organize your time well when bringing this delicious dish to the table, here are the details:

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 25 minutes
  • Total: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

The key to a creamy risotto and juicy shrimp is to respect these times and be attentive during cooking.

Ingredients

For the Parmesan risotto

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups hot chicken broth
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
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  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the garlic and brown butter shrimp

  • 300 g large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: fresh chopped parsley for garnish.

If you don't have Arborio rice, you can try Carnaroli rice, which also works well for risotto. For Parmesan cheese, grated pecorino can add a different touch, but Parmesan is traditional for this recipe.

Utensils we will use

  • Large pot for the broth
  • Large pan for the risotto
  • Medium pan for sautéing the shrimp
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Grater for the Parmesan cheese
  • Measuring cup

Preparation

1. Prepare the broth and risotto base

  1. Hot broth: Heat the 4 cups of chicken broth in a pot over medium heat. It is important to keep it hot to add it little by little to the risotto, so it cooks evenly.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: In the large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook one more minute without browning to avoid a bitter taste.

2. Cook the Arborio rice

  1. Toast the rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the butter and vegetables. Cook 2-3 minutes until the rice begins to look slightly translucent with white edges.
  2. Deglaze with wine: Pour the white wine making sure to maintain medium temperature. Stir constantly until the wine has been almost completely absorbed.

3. Incorporate broth and cook the risotto

  1. Add broth in parts: Incorporate one cup of hot broth and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally so that the rice releases its starch and becomes creamy. Repeat the process with each cup of broth until the rice is tender but firm (18-20 minutes).

This video helps visualize what is sought in the texture of the risotto while adding the broth.

4. Prepare the garlic and brown butter shrimp

  1. Melt butter and brown garlic: In the medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant but not burned, as it generates bitterness.
  2. Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

5. Integrate ingredients and finish the dish

  1. Mix cheese and shrimp: Remove the skillet with the risotto from the heat, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to melt it. Gently incorporate the cooked shrimp so as not to break them.
  2. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the risotto and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.

To finish and serve

Serve the shrimp risotto hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley which adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish. You can accompany it with a fresh salad like the pasta salad with shrimp and avocado for a perfect balance. This dish pairs very well with a dry white wine that enhances its delicate flavor.


Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Proteins: 28 g
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

These values are approximations per serving to help you plan your diet.


5 keys to perfect garlic and brown butter shrimp

The secret to good garlic shrimp with brown butter lies in the precision of timing and heat management to preserve texture and flavor:

  • Shrimp freshness: Choose fresh shrimp or properly thawed shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
  • Garlic control: The garlic should be browned just enough to bring out its flavor without burning, as it will become bitter and ruin the dish.
  • Brown butter: Gently melt the butter and let it acquire a light brown color, which adds depth and a characteristic toasted flavor to the dish.
  • Quick Cooking: Sauté the shrimp quickly so they retain juiciness and don't become tough.
  • Salt and pepper at the end: Adjust seasoning at the end to prevent flavors from getting lost or becoming excessive.

When is it ideal to enjoy garlic and brown butter shrimp with Parmesan risotto?

This dish is ideal for special occasions where you want to impress without overcomplicating things. For example, at a dinner with friends or a family celebration where you're looking for a gourmet touch without leaving home. It also works perfectly for a cold day when you crave something creamy and comforting that combines marine freshness with the smoothness of Parmesan cheese. Its balanced texture and flavor make it a versatile dish for any moment.


Comparison of recipes similar to garlic and brown butter shrimp with Parmesan risotto

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Garlic and brown butter shrimp with parmesan risottoShrimp, brown butter, Arborio rice, ParmesanPerfect balance between the creaminess of the risotto and the toasted flavor of the brown butter
Risotto with shrimp and asparagusShrimp, asparagus, Arborio riceAdds vegetable freshness with asparagus, plus crunchy texture
Chipotle shrimp with orangeShrimp, chipotle, orange juiceSpicy and citrus flavor, bolder than classic risotto
Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimpShrimp, Alfredo sauce, fettuccine pastaPasta instead of rice, with creamy sauce cheese
Garlic shrimp with citrus couscousShrimp, garlic, couscous, lemonLight and fresh dish, with Mediterranean flavors
Pumpkin risotto with sage butter and walnutsArborio rice, pumpkin, sage butter, walnutsAutumn harmony with sweet and aromatic flavors, without seafood
Stuffed shrimp in BBQ sauceShrimp, stuffing, BBQ sauceHeavier and meatier dish, with smoky flavor

Share your experience preparing garlic and brown butter shrimp with Parmesan risotto

Cooking is about experimenting and enjoying every moment. Did you try this recipe? How did the risotto and shrimp turn out for you? Did you add any extra ingredients or modify any steps? Leave your comments and share tips or tricks that helped you perfect this dish at home. Your experience can inspire others to venture into new flavors and techniques.

Culinary glossary for garlic and brown butter shrimp with Parmesan risotto

  • Arborio Rice: Type of Italian rice with short grains and high starch levels, ideal for making risotto due to its creamy texture.
  • Brown butter: Technically, butter that has been cooked over medium heat until it acquires a light brown color, providing a toasted and deep flavor.
  • Deglaze: Technique that consists of adding a liquid (wine, broth) to dissolve the golden residues at the bottom of the pan and use them for flavor.
  • Al dente: Cooking of foods like rice or pasta that are tender but still firm to the bite.
  • Fresh parsley: Aromatic herb used to decorate and add a fresh and green touch to dishes.
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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