Skip to content
LumaxisLumaxis
All recipes

American·Main Course

Caper-Brine Garlic Shrimp

A classic garlic shrimp recipe elevated with a secret ingredient—tangy caper brine—to create a bright, buttery sauce perfect for serving over crusty toast or pasta.

Prep

15m

Cook

5m

Total

20m

Serves

2

Method

  1. 01

    Complete your mise en place by peeling and deveining the shrimp, chopping the parsley, and mincing at least six cloves of garlic. Combine the lemon juice with the caper brine in a small bowl and set aside.

    Step 1
    Watch · 0:44
  2. 02

    Place a heavy skillet over high heat and add olive oil. Wait for the first wisps of smoke to appear, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle untouched for one minute, sprinkle with salt, then toss and stir-fry for another minute until about halfway cooked.

    Step 2
    Watch · 2:19
  3. 03

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook for exactly one minute while stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from browning.

    Step 3
    Watch · 3:33
  4. 04

    Quickly add the lemon juice and caper brine mixture, one chunk of the cold butter, and half of the chopped parsley. Stir together until the butter begins to melt.

    Step 4
    Watch · 3:54
  5. 05

    Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining three chunks of cold butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce has emulsified into a creamy glaze.

    Step 5
    Watch · 4:56
  6. 06

    Adjust seasoning with salt and extra lemon or water if the sauce is too thick. Serve immediately over toasted bread or starch, garnishing generously with the remaining fresh parsley.

    Step 6
    Watch · 5:20

From Chef John

  • “If you use less than six cloves for a pound of shrimp, don't call it garlic shrimp.”
  • “It's going to give it that little secret something that will have your foodie friends talking behind your back.”
  • “I wish you could smell this.”