Buttery Shrimp with Dill (Garides Me Ánitho)
This Greek shrimp recipe comes together in one skillet with a silky lemon-butter sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice or sopping up with crusty bread.
Buttery shrimp with dill (garides me ánitho) is a classic Greek shrimp dish characterized by vibrant lemon, fresh dill, and a rich buttery sauce. This dish is typically served in coastal tavernas in Greece alongside a glass of ouzo. Adapted from Zaytinya: Delicious Mediterranean Dishes from Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon by José Andrés, it’s a delightful yet easy dish to create at home.
The base consists of shallots and garlic followed by fresh lemon juice and a hint of whole grain mustard, which brighten the buttery sauce and enhance the sweetness of the shrimp. Serve it over rice or with plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
What You’ll Need To Make Buttery Shrimp with Dill
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Finely minced shallots | ⅔ cup (from 2 medium shallots) |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 2 lb (21/25), thawed if frozen |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Lemon zest | ½ teaspoon (from 1 lemon) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 4 tablespoons (from 2 lemons, plus more to taste) |
| Whole grain mustard | 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh dill, finely chopped | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon wedges (for serving) | Optional |
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until softened (but not browned), about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir constantly for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and start to cook through, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and mustard. Lower the heat and add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring until melted and creamy. The shrimp should be just cooked through. If needed, let them sit in the warm sauce for an extra minute. Off the heat, stir in the dill and taste, adjusting with more lemon juice, salt, and pepper as necessary.
Pro tip: Low heat is crucial—too much heat can cause the butter to separate, resulting in a greasy sauce instead of a silky one.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice to enjoy the sauce fully.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What can I serve with buttery shrimp with dill?
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
2. How long does it take to prepare the dish?
Total preparation and cooking time is around 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick dinner.
3. Can the shrimp be substituted with another protein?
Yes, you can try this recipe with chicken or scallops, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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