Delicious Shrimp Recipes Cooked in Cast Iron Skillets

Cast iron skillets are a versatile and classic kitchen tool, perfect for cooking a variety of dishes. One of the most popular ingredients that lend themselves well to cast iron cooking is shrimp. In this article, we'll explore several delicious shrimp recipes that can be easily prepared in a cast iron skillet.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Taste and texture perfection, this recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp is sure to please both seasoned chefs and eager beginners. Here's what you need:

1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp 4 tablespoons butter 4 cloves garlic (minced) 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley for garnish Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Heat the cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Melt the butter, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Shrimp and Grits

For a truly Southern comfort classic, try Shrimp and Grits. Here's how you can make it:

1 cup grits 4 cups water 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp 4 slices bacon (chopped) 1 cup diced bell peppers 1 cup diced onions 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 teaspoon paprika Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

In a pot, bring water to a boil and cook grits according to package instructions. Stir in salt and cook until creamy. In a cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Add bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until they become soft. Add shrimp and paprika, cooking until the shrimp are pink. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the shrimp mixture over the cooked grits, topped with bacon and green onions.

Shrimp Fajitas

Looking for something more adventurous? Shrimp Fajitas might be just the dish for you. Here's what you'll need:

1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 onion, sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning Tortillas for serving Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they begin to soften (about 5 minutes). Add shrimp and fajita seasoning to the skillet. Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes). Serve in warm tortillas with lime wedges.

Tips for Cooking Shrimp in Cast Iron Skillets

To ensure perfect results every time, follow these helpful tips:

Preheat your skillet to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. Use high smoke point oils if cooking at high temperatures.

These recipes are versatile, so feel free to adjust the spices and ingredients to your personal taste. Enjoy your cooking!