Hey there! I’m a huge seafood lover, and today I’m gonna share my favorite ways to cook shrimp without using butter or oil. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just ran out of these ingredients I’ve got you covered with some super tasty alternatives!
Why Skip the Butter and Oil?
Before we dive in here’s why you might wanna cook shrimp without these fatty ingredients
- Health Benefits: Way less saturated fat and calories
- Natural Flavors: You’ll actually taste the shrimp’s natural sweetness
- Budget-Friendly: Save money on expensive oils and butter
- Dietary Restrictions: Perfect for specific diet plans
- Allergy-Friendly: Great for people with dairy sensitivities
7 Foolproof Methods to Cook Shrimp
1. Grilling Method
This is my absolute fave way to cook shrimp! Here’s what ya do:
- Preheat grill to medium-high
- Thread shrimp onto skewers (leave some space between each)
- Season with your fave spices
- Grill 2-3 mins per side
- They’re done when pink and opaque!
Pro tip If using wooden skewers soak them in water for 30 mins first so they don’t burn!
2. Steaming Method
Super easy and healthy:
- Add water to pot (about 1 inch)
- Place steamer basket inside
- Bring water to simmer
- Add seasoned shrimp
- Steam 2-3 mins until pink
3. Baking Method
Perfect for busy nights:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Line baking sheet with parchment
- Arrange shrimp (don’t overcrowd!)
- Season well
- Bake 5-7 mins
4. Air Fryer Method
My newest discovery and it’s amazing:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F
- Place shrimp in basket
- Cook 5 mins
- Shake basket halfway through
5. Poaching Method
Great for keeping shrimp super tender:
- Bring broth/water to simmer
- Add seasonings
- Drop in shrimp
- Cook 1-2 mins
- Remove when pink
6. Broiling Method
Quick and gives nice char:
- Set broiler to high
- Place shrimp on broiler pan
- Season well
- Broil 5-7 mins
- Flip halfway through
7. Microwaving Method (Yes, Really!)
When you’re super rushed:
- Place in microwave-safe dish
- Add splash of water
- Cover with plastic wrap
- Cook 2-3 mins
- Let rest 1 min
Seasoning Ideas That Pack a Punch
Without butter/oil, seasoning becomes extra important! Here’s what I love:
- Classic Combo: Garlic powder + paprika + lemon juice
- Spicy Mix: Cayenne + chili powder + lime
- Herb Heaven: Parsley + basil + oregano
- Asian Inspired: Ginger + garlic + soy sauce
- Cajun Style: Cajun seasoning + lemon pepper
Important Tips for Perfect Shrimp
- Don’t Overcook! Shrimp cook super fast – they’re done when pink and curved like the letter “C”
- Pat Dry: Always pat shrimp dry before cooking
- Space Matters: Keep at least 1/2 inch between shrimp
- Size Matters: Adjust cooking time based on shrimp size
- Fresh vs Frozen: Both work great, just thaw frozen ones properly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan/grill/basket
- Cooking too long (makes them rubbery)
- Not patting dry before cooking
- Forgetting to devein (that black line = digestive tract)
- Using too high heat
Serving Suggestions
Your perfectly cooked shrimp will taste amazing with:
- Zucchini noodles
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Fresh salad
- Roasted veggies
- Whole grain pasta
Wrapping It Up
See? You totally don’t need butter or oil to make amazing shrimp! My personal fave is the grilling method – it gives such a nice smoky flavor. But honestly, all these methods work great depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Got any questions? Drop ’em below! And if you try any of these methods, lemme know how they turned out. Happy cooking!
P.S. Don’t forget to save this article for later – you never know when you’ll need to whip up some healthy shrimp!
#cooking #healthyeating #seafood #shrimp #cookingtips
How to make air fryer shrimp
Rinse your shrimp with cold water and pat them dry. Arrange them in the air fryer basket and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Make sure to not over crowd the basket. You want them to be at least a 1/2in apart from each other. Run the air fryer for 5 minutes on 400 degrees. You can drizzle the shrimp with some oil or melted butter after they are done cooking, or skip it.
How to cook shrimp on the stove
Learning how to cook shrimp on the stove is very easy!
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add in your fat of choice and let it warm/melt for 4-5 minutes, making sure it coats the bottom of the pan. Meanwhile, rinse your shrimp with cold water and pat it dry. Arrange them on a plate and sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
Transfer the shrimp to the skillet making sure to not over crowd the pan. You want them to be at least a 1/2 inch apart from each other. Cook the shrimp for 4-5 minutes, flip them (I find this is easiest and makes less mess if you use a pair of kitchen tongs), and then cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.
Healthy Diet Recipe | Simple Garlic Prawns | Without Oil
FAQ
Can I cook shrimp without butter?
How do you cook without oil or butter?
Steaming is the simplest way to cook vegetables without oil. As long as you use fresh ingredients, you can make tasty and satisfying food with minimal effort. Not only does steaming help to retain most of the vegetable nutrients, it also helps to preserve the vegetables’ shape and vibrant color.
What is a substitute for butter in shrimp?
For a shrimp dish, butter can be substituted with olive oil, avocado oil, or even plant-based butter alternatives. Olive oil is a popular choice for its flavor and health benefits, while avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking.
What’s the tastiest way to cook shrimp?
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the lemon zest, salt, and cayenne until it’s coated well.
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is foaming, add the garlic and lemon juice. …
- Add the shrimp. Sauté until they cook through and turn pink, about 3 minutes.