If you seek a dish that combines Italian elegance with rich, buttery seafood flavour, then you must try the shrimp Paesano recipe. The shrimp Paesano is a beloved appetizer originating from the iconic Paesano’s restaurant in San Antonio, Texas. Order the shrimp Paesano and you will understand why hundreds of fans exalt it. With perfectly sautéed, pecan-dusted shrimp, lemony butter cream sauce, garlic, and herbs – it has all the comfort and sophistication of an appetizer fit for both weeknight dinner and special occasions.
The shrimp Paesano recipe is simple but amazing – a golden “light coat” fry and drenched in a decadent sauce with butter, lemon, white wine, and a touch of cream. The shrimp Paesano recipe integrates warm, a restaurant-style flavour straight into your kitchen without the need for professional-style preparation. Whether you are an experienced chef or starting, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet endlessly rewarding.
If you love seafood with a robust and tangy flavour, the shrimp Paesano recipe is a popular option! Seafood, pasta, rice, and crusty bread – the shrimp Paesano pairs beautifully to make sure you soak it in that sauce! It is easily customizable to suit your dietary needs!
- What Is Shrimp Paesano?
- Why You'll Love This Shrimp Paesano Recipe
- How to Make Shrimp Paesano Shrimp Paesano Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- What to Serve With Shrimp Paesano Recipe
- Top Tips for Perfecting Shrimp Paesano Recipe
- Storing and Reheating Tips
- Health Benefits of Shrimp Paesano Recipe
- Nutritional Overview
- Conclusion
- 🔄 Share Your Twist!
What Is Shrimp Paesano?
So what is shrimp Paesano, you may be wondering? Is it Italian? Tex-Mex? Seafood? Shrimp Paesano is a shrimp entrée, which was made famous at Paesano’s restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, and consists of shrimp sautéed in butter, garlic, lemon, parsley and some kind of richness. The word “Paesano” brings to mind Italian flavours, and the dish appears to give a nod to that Italian inspiration while embracing an open, big and bold American flair.
You’ve heard the expression, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”. Well, shrimp Paesano could be that modern-day version of that saying, as it brings flavours that melt the heart while being wrapped around plump, tender shrimp. Could “Paesano” mean something related to the owner’s family, or is it simply an evocation of the comforting notion of “the neighbour’s place”? I can’t say for certain, but I am certain you’ll want to try it. So go ahead, scroll down, get your ingredients together, then let’s work shrimp Paesano into your dinner plans.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Paesano Recipe
Main Highlights
- Rich, silky sauce: The lemon‑butter garlic sauce is emulsified to a velvety consistency, coating the shrimp beautifully.
- Juicy, flavorful shrimp: Soaking the shrimp in half‑and‑half or milk gives them a creamy tang before they’re dredged and cooked.
- Fast but impressive: From start to finish, it’s doable in under an hour—no complex techniques, just timing and gentle heat.
- Restaurant‑quality at home: You get that special-occasion restaurant feel without having to leave your kitchen.
Cost‑Saving Benefits
Why buy a pricey restaurant plate when you can recreate it at home for a fraction of the cost? Shrimp can be economical if you buy frozen or on sale, and the other ingredients—butter, garlic, lemon, flour—are pantry staples. Plus, doubling the recipe is easy, making it an efficient choice for entertaining or meal prepping. You avoid markup, service fees, and the “ambience tax” of dining out.
Flavorful Toppings and Customizations
Want to make shrimp Paesano your own? Here are a few custom ideas:
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a salty, savoury finish.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Stir in extra fresh parsley or chives for extra green freshness.
- Serve it over angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine, or with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter twist, swap half the butter with olive oil (though you’ll lose some creaminess).
These tweaks let you take a classic recipe and turn it into your signature version, giving you plenty of scope for creativity while preserving that core shrimp Paesano recipe identity.
How to Make Shrimp Paesano Shrimp Paesano Recipe
Quick Overview
This shrimp Paesano dish is remarkably easy to prepare: simply soak the shrimp, dredge in flour, and sauté one side and broil to finish, while whisking together a silky lemon-garlic butter sauce. You serve it right away over pasta, rice, or all by itself. It is an easy and quick recipe that feels decadent and indulgent.
Key Ingredients
Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails on) | 1 lb (≈ 16–20 shrimp) | The star protein |
| Half‑and‑half (or milk) | 2 pints | For soaking shrimp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | For dredging |
| Vegetable or neutral oil | 2 Tbsp | For sautéing |
| Cold butter (cut into 1‑inch cubes) | 1½ cups | For sauce |
| Lemon | 1 medium (juice) | Bright acidity |
| Garlic | 3–4 cloves, minced | Flavor backbone |
| Egg yolk | 1 | Helps emulsify sauce |
| Fresh parsley | 3 Tbsp, chopped | Herb freshness |
| Fresh chives | 3 Tbsp, chopped | Delicate garnish |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry. Please place them in a bowl and cover with the half-and-half (or milk). Let them soak for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step softens the shrimp slightly and helps the flour coating stick better, resulting in a tender, juicy texture after cooking.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Drain the shrimp well and transfer them to a large bowl of seasoned flour (add salt and pepper to taste). Toss gently to coat each shrimp evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp, flour-side down, arranging in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 5 minutes without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Shrimp
Flip the shrimp carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until just opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside, leaving any browned bits in the pan for the sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and lemon juice. Over very low heat, melt half the butter in the skillet, then slowly whisk in the lemon-egg mixture. Add the remaining butter pieces a few at a time, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in garlic and cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. Finally, stir in fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently in the sauce until warmed through. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.
What to Serve With Shrimp Paesano Recipe
- Light, fresh salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette complement the richness beautifully.
- Steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans add a crisp contrast.
- Fluffy angel hair pasta or creamy risotto makes a perfect base to soak up the luscious sauce.
- A chilled glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, balances the buttery flavours.
Top Tips for Perfecting Shrimp Paesano Recipe
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use milk with a bit of cream if you don’t have half-and-half.
- Olive oil can replace vegetable oil for a different flavour, though butter is key for the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness, but a splash of white wine vinegar can work in a pinch.
Timing Adjustments
- Don’t overcook shrimp; they become tough and rubbery quickly.
- Keep the sauce on low heat to avoid separating the butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to soak shrimp can make the coating fall off or the texture dry.
Overcrowding the pan when sautéing shrimp causes steaming instead of searing.
Cooking the sauce at high heat can cause it to break.
Storing and Reheating Tips
How to Store
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because shrimp can dry out quickly, avoid storing them for longer.
How to Reheat
Gently reheat the shrimp and sauce on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or half-and-half to loosen the sauce if necessary. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Health Benefits of Shrimp Paesano Recipe
Nutritional Overview
- Shrimp are low in calories, high in lean protein, and rich in vitamins like B12 and minerals like selenium.
- Garlic and parsley provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Lemon juice adds vitamin C and aids digestion.
Because this dish contains butter, it’s richer in fats, so enjoy it as a special treat balanced with fresh vegetables.
Shrimp Paesano
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Skillet or frying pan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk for soaking
- 2 cups all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral cooking oil
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter cold and cut into chunks
- Juice of 1 lemon about 3 tablespoons
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Shrimp: Place shrimp in a bowl and cover with half-and-half or milk. Soak for 20-30 minutes to tenderize.
- Dredge in Flour: Drain shrimp and coat evenly in seasoned flour (salt and pepper added). Shake off excess.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer, flour side down, for about 5 minutes without moving, until golden.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk egg yolk and lemon juice in a bowl. Melt half the butter on low heat, slowly whisk in lemon-egg mixture, then add remaining butter chunks gradually, whisking until creamy. Stir in garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure shrimp get crispy, not steamed.
- Keep sauce on low heat to prevent butter from separating.
- Soaking shrimp is key for tender texture and better flour adhesion.
- Customize by adding red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Conclusion
Shrimp Paesano exquisitely combines simplicity and elegance, providing restaurant-quality right in your own kitchen. Juicy, succulent shrimp are bathed in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce, creating a comforting, yet elevated dish that has a quick prep time and will impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just for you, this is a dish that hits all the notes: rich, fresh, and leaves you utterly satisfied.
I would encourage you to give this recipe a try, and to have fun making it your own with your toppings/sides or whatever you want. Don’t forget to come back and leave some comments after trying it. I love hearing about my recipes and how they help inspire you in your kitchen! For those who find seafood to be impressive and also like fast and fresh flavours, be sure to check out my other seafood recipes. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
🔄 Share Your Twist!
Did you try this Shrimp Paesano recipe with your own creative spin? Maybe you added a splash of white wine, tossed in some spicy chili flakes, or served it over creamy polenta instead of pasta? I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
Drop your delicious variations in the comments below 👇 — or tag me on social media with your plate! Your version might just inspire someone else’s next dinner. Let’s cook, share, and grow together, one twist at a time! 🍤💬✨
References :
Firecracker Grilled Alaska Salmon
Bariatric Seed Trick Recipe: 5 Benefits You Need to Know
Totino’s Party Pizza Air Rryer
Cracker Barrel Coleslaw Recipe
Easy Atomic Cake Chicago Recipe: Fun & Delicious
