Shrimp Box: Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight
Popular Jeju Food Truck Dish: Homemade Garlic Butter Shrimp Box Recipe
Enjoy the hottest food truck sensation from Jeju Island, the Shrimp Box, right in your own kitchen! This recipe brings the irresistible combination of rich butter, aromatic garlic, and a touch of spicy chili sauce to your table. Perfect for a special meal or a fun weekend treat! (๑*◡*๑)
Main Ingredients- Shrimp, about 10 pieces (peeled and deveined; ensure fully thawed if using frozen)
- 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (for rich flavor)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (essential for that garlicky aroma!)
- Olive Oil, a drizzle (to prevent sticking and burning)
- 1-2 Small Red Chilies or 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
Sauce & Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine) (to remove any fishy odor)
- 1 Tbsp White Wine (adds depth and helps eliminate odor)
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (for a bright, fresh finish; bottled is fine)
- 3 Tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce (the star of our sweet and spicy profile!)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese, a pinch (for a nutty, umami boost)
- Black Pepper, a pinch (enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor)
- Dried Parsley, a pinch (for garnish and a hint of herbaceousness)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine) (to remove any fishy odor)
- 1 Tbsp White Wine (adds depth and helps eliminate odor)
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (for a bright, fresh finish; bottled is fine)
- 3 Tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce (the star of our sweet and spicy profile!)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese, a pinch (for a nutty, umami boost)
- Black Pepper, a pinch (enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor)
- Dried Parsley, a pinch (for garnish and a hint of herbaceousness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed (either in cold water or at room temperature) and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures they cook evenly. 🙂
Step 2
Once thawed and dried, place the shrimp in a bowl. Add 1 Tbsp of Mirin and a pinch of black pepper. Gently toss to coat the shrimp and let them marinate for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for eliminating any unpleasant odor.
Step 3
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil. The oil will help prevent the ingredients from sticking and burning.
Step 4
Once the skillet is warm, add 1 Tbsp of butter and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Swirl the butter until it melts and combines with the garlic, releasing a wonderful aroma.
Step 5
Butter can burn quickly, so keep the heat at medium-low to medium. Stir the garlic and butter constantly as it cooks to prevent the garlic from scorching.
Step 6
When the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Step 7
If you enjoy a bit of heat, now is the time to add your chopped red chilies or red pepper flakes. If you’re using whole dried chilies (like pequin or Thai chilies), you can add them with the olive oil in step 2 to infuse the oil with their heat.
Step 8
As the shrimp turn pink, pour in 1 Tbsp of white wine. Let it bubble and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute to allow the alcohol to evaporate and its flavor to enhance the dish, while also removing any remaining impurities.
Step 9
Add 1 Tbsp of lemon juice for a zesty counterpoint. This really brightens up the flavors. Bottled lemon juice works perfectly fine here.
Step 10
Stir everything together well and continue to cook for another minute, ensuring the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the developing sauce. Keep the pan moving to prevent burning.
Step 11
Now, add 2-3 Tbsp of sweet chili sauce. This sauce provides the signature sweet and tangy flavor profile of the dish.
Step 12
Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to your liking. You can add a little more if you prefer it sweeter or spicier, or even a dash of soy sauce for extra umami if desired.
Step 13
Finally, toss everything together over high heat for about 30 seconds to a minute until the sauce is glossy and coats the shrimp beautifully. This quick, high-heat finish seals in the flavor.
Step 14
To serve, spoon some cooked rice into a bento box or your favorite serving dish. Arrange the delicious garlic butter shrimp attractively on top of the rice.
Step 15
Garnish your Shrimp Box with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor, and a dusting of dried parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Step 16
And there you have it – your homemade Shrimp Box, tasting just like a Jeju Island food truck! Enjoy!
