How to Cook Sauteed Shrimp on the Stove

Shrimp is a low-fat, low-calorie food that can easily be sauteed in minutes on the stove top. Shrimp is rich in high-quality protein, and it's a good source of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin A. It's worth noting, though, that shrimp is high in cholesterol and sodium. Because it's nutritious and simple to cook, sauteed shrimp makes a good replacement for meat and poultry in your favorite pasta dishes, stews and stir fries and other rice dishes. There are enough different sauteed shrimp recipes, as well as other methods of preparation, to keep shrimp interesting for a long time.

A glass bowl of sauteed shrimp. (Image: tycoon751/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Rinse the shrimp in cold water. Pat them dry with clean paper towels. Remove the shells, if you like, by pinching them near the base and wiggling the shrimp meat out.

Step 2

Put 1 tbsp. of unsalted butter and 1 tbsp. of olive oil into a skillet. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until the butter fully melts. Substitute salted butter if it's the only kind you have, but don't season with any more salt, as the shrimp is naturally salty.

Step 3

Put the shrimp in the skillet. Give them a toss every minute or so, or flip and move them around with a wooden spoon.

Step 4

Add minced garlic or shallot, red or white wine, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, Cajun seasonings, fresh herbs or any other ingredients to taste, or as specified by the recipe you're following.

Step 5

Saute the shrimp for about 3 to 4 minutes over medium-high heat. Remove them from the skillet once they are firm and opaque.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels

• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• Skillet

• Wooden spoon

Tip

If you want to coat or bread the sauteed shrimp, dip them in beaten egg and then dredge them in flour or breadcrumbs before putting them in the skillet. For a whole-grain boost, use whole wheat bread crumbs.