Celebrate Fat Tuesday with a dish that’s as vibrant and festive as the occasion itself! This Mardi Gras garlic butter shrimp recipe, perfectly paired with a refreshing citrus slaw, is designed to bring a burst of flavor and color to your table without any fuss. It’s an easy and impressive meal that captures the spirit of the celebration.

Mardi Gras Garlic Butter Shrimp with Citrus Slaw 16

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or looking for a special weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity. The succulent, garlicky shrimp combined with the bright, tangy slaw creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal that your family and friends will absolutely adore.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Mardi Gras garlic butter shrimp with citrus slaw is a true winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a festive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The shrimp cooks in mere minutes, and the slaw comes together just as quickly, meaning you can have a delicious, celebratory dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced chefs looking for a reliable, flavorful recipe. This dish is designed for those who appreciate fresh ingredients and bold flavors, offering a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes in every bite. It’s also a fantastic option for entertaining, as it looks impressive and tastes even better, making it a memorable centerpiece for your Mardi Gras dinner ideas or any casual gathering.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this Mardi Gras feast is straightforward, focusing on fresh, accessible items that pack a punch. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the vibrant flavors that come from quality components.

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
1 (10-ounce) bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix (green cabbage and carrots)
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 orange, segmented and chopped
1 grapefruit, segmented and chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the shrimp, using large shrimp is recommended as they hold up well to cooking and have a satisfying bite. You can choose whether to leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor. The cayenne pepper is entirely optional; adjust to your family’s spice preference. For the slaw, a pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a fantastic time-saver. Adding extra red cabbage boosts color and crunch. Any type of orange will work, and if grapefruit isn’t your favorite, you can use more orange or even mandarins. Fresh lime juice is key for the dressing, so avoid bottled juice if possible.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, ensuring you can enjoy your festive meal without a lengthy wait.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 23-25 minutes

These times are estimates and can vary slightly based on your speed in the kitchen and the exact size of your shrimp. The goal is a quick and satisfying meal that fits into even the busiest schedules.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this Mardi Gras garlic butter shrimp with citrus slaw is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious outcome.

Prepare the Citrus Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the pre-shredded coleslaw mix, thinly sliced red cabbage, chopped orange segments, and chopped grapefruit segments. Add the chopped fresh cilantro.
Whisk the Slaw Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the shrimp.
Pat the Shrimp Dry: Lay the peeled and deveined shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate and pat them thoroughly dry. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and preventing the shrimp from steaming in the pan. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper.
Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper (if using) over the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste the shrimp and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve Immediately: Divide the garlic butter shrimp among plates and serve alongside generous portions of the refreshing citrus slaw. Enjoy your festive Mardi Gras meal!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Mardi Gras garlic butter shrimp with citrus slaw is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy adaptations to suit different tastes and occasions.

For a kid-friendly twist, you can omit the cayenne pepper entirely from the shrimp and go light on the grapefruit in the slaw, perhaps adding more orange or even some apple slices for a sweeter touch. Kids often enjoy the bright colors and the sweet-tangy flavor of the slaw. You could also serve the shrimp with a side of rice or pasta for a more substantial meal that appeals to younger palates.

If you’re looking to expand the meal for a party or buffet, consider adding some crusty French bread to sop up that delicious garlic butter sauce from the shrimp. A side of fluffy white rice or quinoa would also make it a more filling option. For an extra touch of Mardi Gras flair, serve the slaw in individual small cups or bowls for easy grabbing. You could also offer a variety of hot sauces on the side for those who like extra heat.

Ingredient swaps are simple here. If you don’t have fresh cilantro for the slaw, fresh mint or even a bit of finely chopped green onion could work. No grapefruit? Use all oranges or even some segmented tangerines. For the shrimp, if you prefer a different spice profile, a pinch of Creole seasoning can be used in place of smoked paprika and cayenne. You can also add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan with the butter and garlic for a slightly saucier finish.

For optional toppings, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on the slaw adds a nice nutty crunch. A drizzle of sriracha mayo on the shrimp could offer another layer of flavor and a creamy texture. A squeeze of extra lime over both the shrimp and slaw just before serving always brightens everything up.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a straightforward recipe like this, a few common mistakes can impact the final dish. Knowing how to avoid them will ensure your Mardi Gras garlic butter shrimp and citrus slaw turn out perfectly every time.

One of the most frequent slip-ups with shrimp is overcooking. Shrimp cooks very quickly, and if left on the heat for too long, it becomes tough and rubbery. To avoid this, watch the shrimp closely. They are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes per side for large shrimp. Remove them from the heat as soon as they reach this point.

Another common issue is not patting the shrimp dry before cooking. If the shrimp are wet, they will steam in the pan instead of searing, resulting in a less flavorful and less appealing texture. Always take a few extra moments to thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels.

For the slaw, a mistake can be overdressing it too early. While the slaw benefits from a short time for the flavors to meld, if you dress it hours in advance, the cabbage can become soggy. To maintain a crisp texture, dress the slaw no more than 30 minutes before serving. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before mealtime.

Finally, burning the garlic is an easy mistake to make when sautéing. Garlic cooks very quickly and can turn bitter if it browns too much. Keep the heat at medium and sauté the minced garlic for only about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, then immediately add the shrimp to cool the pan slightly.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage and make-ahead strategies are key to enjoying this delicious meal without compromising its fresh flavors and textures.

For storing leftovers, the shrimp and slaw should be kept separately. Place the cooked garlic butter shrimp in

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.

Mardi Gras Garlic Butter Shrimp with Citrus Slaw

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