Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Shrimp with Fresh Herb Salad & Citrus Glaze

Overview

If elegance had a flavor, this would be it. Perfectly seared shrimp, kissed by garlic butter, finished with a bright citrus glaze, and plated over a delicate herb salad with crisp vegetables. The texture contrast is insane: juicy shrimp with that slight snap, silky glaze pooling underneath, and fresh greens cutting through the richness.

This dish works beautifully as an upscale appetizer, a romantic dinner plate, or even a light lunch when you want something protein-forward but not heavy.

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Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the Shrimp

• 500g large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail on)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt to taste

• Freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley

For the Citrus Glaze

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 tsp soy sauce (adds depth, trust the process)

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Fresh Herb Salad Base

• Mixed microgreens or baby arugula

• Thinly sliced red bell pepper

• Thinly sliced cucumber

• Julienned carrot

• A few sprigs fresh dill or micro herbs

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

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Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Pat the shrimp completely dry using paper towels. This step is critical. Moisture prevents proper searing, and we want that golden caramelized exterior.

Season shrimp evenly with:

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Smoked paprika

• Chili flakes

Let them rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.

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Step 2: Make the Citrus Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat:

1. Add orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Stir in cornstarch slurry.

4. Simmer until slightly thickened and glossy (about 2–3 minutes).

It should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil first, then butter.

Once butter melts and starts foaming:

1. Add garlic. Sauté for 20–30 seconds only (don’t burn it).

2. Immediately add shrimp in a single layer.

Cook 1.5–2 minutes per side.

Signs they’re ready:

• Opaque white center

• Beautiful golden sear

• Slight curl (but not tightly curled — that means overcooked)

In the last 30 seconds, add:

• Lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Fresh parsley

Toss gently and remove from heat.

Shrimp cook fast. Respect the timing.

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Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Herb Salad

In a bowl, combine:

• Microgreens

• Bell pepper

• Cucumber

• Carrot

• Dill

Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice. Add a tiny pinch of salt. Toss lightly.

This salad is not meant to overpower. It’s there to balance richness with brightness and crunch.

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Step 5: Plating (Restaurant-Level Presentation)

This is where the magic happens.

1. Spoon a layer of citrus glaze onto the plate in a circular motion.

2. Add a small mound of herb salad slightly off-center.

3. Stack shrimp on top in a layered, natural curve.

4. Drizzle extra glaze around.

5. Finish with micro herbs and a light crack of black pepper.

Clean plate edges. Always.

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Flavor Profile Breakdown

• Savory depth: Garlic butter + soy

• Brightness: Lemon + orange glaze

• Heat: Subtle chili warmth

• Freshness: Microgreens + herbs

• Texture contrast: Juicy shrimp vs crisp vegetables

This is balanced cuisine. Nothing fights. Everything complements.

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Pro Tips

• Use large or jumbo shrimp for better visual impact.
• Do not overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if necessary.
• If shrimp release too much water, your heat is too low.
• Add a splash of white wine before finishing for extra complexity.
• For extra gloss, swirl in ½ tsp cold butter into the glaze before plating.

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Optional Variations

Creamy Version

Add 2 tbsp heavy cream to the pan after shrimp are done and reduce slightly for a light garlic cream sauce.

Asian Fusion Twist

Replace parsley with cilantro and add a few drops of sesame oil.

Spicy Version

Add ½ tsp cayenne or a spoon of chili oil drizzle at plating.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Approx per serving)

• Calories: ~320–380 kcal

• Protein: 35g

• Carbs: 10–15g

• Fat: 18–22g

High-protein, low-carb, and nutrient-dense. Clean but indulgent.

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Perfect Pairings

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc

• Sparkling water with lemon

• Light buttered rice

• Garlic toasted sourdough

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Final Thoughts

This dish proves you don’t need complicated techniques to create something visually stunning and flavor-packed. It’s about heat control, balance, and plating discipline.

Golden shrimp. Bright glaze. Fresh herbs. Clean finish.

Simple. Elegant. High-impact.