The Perfect Shrimp Recipe to Pair with Your April Wine Selection
April is here, bringing warmer weather, lighter evenings, and a fresh craving for dishes that pair beautifully with our favorite spring wines. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening in, this savory garlic-butter shrimp recipe is a simple yet luxurious way to elevate your April dining experience. Plus, we’ll share mouthwatering twists inspired separately by the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean and New Orleans.
Garlic-Butter Shrimp: A Springtime Delight
When you’re sipping on Sandhill Rosé, Benjamin Bridge Nova 7, or Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir, our April wine picks, you need a dish that complements those vibrant, fruity notes without overpowering them.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss in chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Caribbean-Inspired Twist
Bring some island warmth into this delicious dish. The Caribbean twist packs zesty freshness and tropical flavors, perfect for pairing with your springtime wines.
Caribbean Ingredients Additions:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 1 diced bell pepper (red or green)
- ½ diced onion
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Caribbean Instructions:
- Follow the initial garlic-butter shrimp steps above.
- Before adding shrimp, sauté diced bell peppers and onions until tender.
- Stir in smoked paprika and allspice, cooking until aromatic (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp and cook as previously instructed.
- Stir in coconut milk during the last minute of cooking for a creamy, tropical finish.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over fluffy white rice.
New Orleans Soul Food Twist
Infuse your shrimp with bold, soulful spices reminiscent of New Orleans’ vibrant culinary scene.
New Orleans Ingredients Additions:
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 diced celery stalk
- ½ diced onion
- Fresh green onions for garnish
New Orleans Instructions:
- Follow the initial garlic-butter shrimp steps above.
- Before adding shrimp, sauté diced celery and onions until tender.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, cooking until aromatic (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp and cook as previously instructed.
- Garnish generously with chopped green onions. Serve over warm crusty bread or creamy grits.
Delicious Pairings
To complete your meal, pair the shrimp with a fresh green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful sauces. Both options perfectly complement the richness and spice of the shrimp.
Wine Pairing Reminder:
- Sandhill Rosé: Crisp and fruity, perfect with Caribbean shrimp variations.
- Benjamin Bridge Nova 7: Slightly sparkling and aromatic, an ideal match for the spicy New Orleans shrimp.
- Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir: Smooth, with earthy notes, beautifully contrasts and complements the garlic butter shrimp.
Gather around your table, pour a glass of your April favorite, and let these dishes bring joy, comfort, and flavor to your spring gatherings.
