There is something simply magical about indulgent shrimp bathed in a luscious buttery sauce with a sparkling twist, and that’s exactly what the Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe brings to your table. This dish combines plump, juicy shrimp poached delicately in a fragrant blend of Prosecco, butter, garlic, and lemon, resulting in an elegant, flavorful feast that feels both light and indulgent. It’s perfect for impressing guests or elevating a weeknight dinner with minimal fuss but maximum wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right makes this dish sing. Each element here is simple but essential, contributing layers of flavor, brightness, and that silky sauce texture that defines this Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, fresh or thawed for best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup Prosecco or dry sparkling wine: Adds subtle fruity acidity and effervescence that beautifully complements the shrimp.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that poaches the shrimp gently and envelops them in luxurious flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a savory punch to brighten the buttery base.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds fresh citrus notes that cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides a zesty tang that balances the creaminess of the butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle kick if you want to add a touch of heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings a fresh herbal brightness and a splash of green color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: For an extra squeeze of vibrant citrus just before eating.
How to Make Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Prosecco and Aromatics
Start by pouring the Prosecco into a large skillet or saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Letting this mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes helps reduce the liquid slightly while infusing it with fragrant citrus and garlic notes. This sets the flavorful foundation your shrimp will cook in.
Step 2: Emulsify the Butter
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter in small pieces, whisking continuously. This stage is key—slowly incorporating the butter creates a smooth, silky emulsion instead of a greasy sauce. Keep the heat gentle; it’s important the mixture stays warm, not boiling, so the butter doesn’t separate and your sauce stays perfectly glossy.
Step 3: Poach the Shrimp
Gently place the shrimp in a single layer in the buttery Prosecco bath. Poach them for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque with that perfect tender bite. Be careful not to overcook, because shrimp can quickly go from tender to rubbery. As the shrimp cook, they soak up all those bright and buttery flavors, making each bite pure bliss.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper to taste, then carefully remove them from the pan. Spoon some of the fragrant cooking liquid over the top for extra richness and moisture. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze of brightness.
How to Serve Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic here, adding a vibrant green color and herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery shrimp. A few lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to brighten their dish with a spritz of citrus, cutting through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines served over delicate pasta or creamy risotto, where it can mingle with those silky, buttery flavors. Crusty bread is another fantastic choice, perfect for mopping up every last drop of that irresistible Prosecco butter sauce. Fresh green vegetables or a light salad can add balance and crunch, making the meal feel complete and thoughtfully put together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve the shrimp atop a bed of sautéed spinach or a simple pea purée for a pop of color and sweetness. You can also skewer the shrimp and drizzle the buttery sauce over for a stunning appetizer presentation, perfect for entertaining. Pair with sparkling wine for a fully immersive Prosecco experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe, store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. The shrimp will retain their flavor best if gently reheated rather than cooked from cold.
Freezing
It’s best to avoid freezing this dish because the buttery sauce and poached shrimp can suffer textural changes when thawed. If you do freeze, do so only for the shrimp without the sauce, and defrost slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently with fresh butter and Prosecco to revive the flavors.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water, broth, or a little extra butter to prevent them from drying out. Avoid high heat or microwave reheating, which can overcook shrimp and cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use white wine instead of Prosecco?
Absolutely! Dry white wine can substitute for Prosecco, though the sparkling aspect adds a subtle brightness and effervescence that enhances the dish. Choose a crisp, dry wine for the best results.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can work perfectly if fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Make sure they are large and high quality to maintain the best texture after poaching.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper during the initial simmering stage to give the sauce a pleasant, warming heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with a high-quality olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, but keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as rich and velvety as the original.
What can I serve with the leftover Prosecco sauce?
That buttery, citrusy sauce is a little treasure! Use it as a drizzle over steamed vegetables, grilled fish, or as a luscious dip for crusty bread or roasted potatoes to maximize every drop.
Final Thoughts
Nothing feels quite as luxurious as the Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe when you want to turn an ordinary meal into something truly special. It’s effortless enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to wow guests, combining bright, fresh flavors with rich buttery indulgence. I hope you have as much fun making it as you do eating it — this one is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
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Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Delicious Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp features succulent large shrimp gently cooked in a flavorful Prosecco and butter emulsion infused with garlic, lemon, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This elegant Italian-inspired seafood dish is perfect as a main course or appetizer, offering a rich yet delicate flavor profile ideal for pairing with pasta, risotto, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Poaching Liquid
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 cup Prosecco or dry sparkling wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Butter and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Poaching Liquid: In a large skillet or saucepan, bring the Prosecco to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce and intensify the flavors.
- Create the Butter Emulsion: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter pieces gradually, whisking continuously to combine and form a smooth, velvety emulsion. Ensure the liquid remains gently warm and avoid boiling to preserve the texture and flavor.
- Poach the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the buttered Prosecco mixture. Poach gently for 3–5 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the shrimp are fully cooked, pink, and opaque. Be cautious not to overcook them to maintain tenderness.
- Season and Serve: Season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the shrimp from the pan and spoon some of the poaching liquid over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, risotto, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Use a good-quality Prosecco for the best flavor impact.
- For extra richness, finish the dish with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of cream.
- This poaching technique works wonderfully with scallops as an alternative seafood option.
