Fried Garlic Sambuca Shrimp

5 from 1 vote
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Fried Garlic Sambuca Shrimp takes 15 minutes to make and requires only 5 ingredients. It serves as the perfect appetizer that can be whipped up when your guests arrive, but also makes a quick dinner when served along side a caesar or tossed salad.

What is sambuca?

Sambuca is an Italian anise flavoured liqueur. It is flavoured with essential oils obtained from star anise and other spices such as elderflower, and liquorice.

I used to work at a local Italian restaurant for years, and they had a similar appetizer on the menu that was one of the most popular dishes. They called it Shrimp Gamberi, and I don’t know exactly what they used in their recipe, but I do remember the main ingredients being: butter, garlic, and white sambuca. I haven’t worked there in over a decade, yet somehow found myself craving this dish. Last weekend I bought the ingredients and hoped it would turn out as I remembered it, and I have to say, it exceeded all of my expectations.

As I mentioned, this dish works really well as an appetizer, but can also be used to make a quick and delicious dinner. Typically if I make this for dinner I serve it along side a caesar or toss salad to make this a full meal deal.

Looking for more appetizer ideas?

Down below I will share a few other appetizers I have right here on my blog that I think you will love:

Let’s stay connected

Keep in touch with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! Also, if you do make this recipe (or any recipe of mine for that matter) be sure to tag #sammymontgoms so I can see your re-creations!

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make my Fried Garlic Sambuca Shrimp. For the exact detailed measurements and ingredients, scroll to the bottom of this page to review my recipe card.

  • Shrimp: uncooked, peeled & devained
  • Garlic
  • Butter: salted
  • Sambuca: you can also substitute for white wine
  • Parsley: fresh

Substitutions & FAQ’s

Can I substitute the sambuca with another alcohol?
You can substitute with a dry white wine; I recommend chardonnay.
Can I make this in advance?
I don’t recommend making this before your guests arrive, as it’s a dish that needs to be eaten right away. As it only takes a few minutes to cook, I recommend prepping the ingredients and then assembling once you are ready to eat.

Watch the recipe video

Watch the recipe video on Instagram

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5 from 1 vote

Fried Garlic Sambuca Shrimp

By Sammy Montgoms
Fried Garlic Sambuca Shrimp takes 15 minutes to make and requires only 5 ingredients. It serves as the perfect appetizer that can be whipped up when your guests arrive, but also makes a quick dinner when served along side a caesar or tossed salad.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb shrimp, thawed, uncooked, peeled, & deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp butter, salted
  • 2.5 tbsp white sambuca
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley , chopped fine
  • salt
  • pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • 8 pieces, toasted crostini

Instructions 

  • Begin by preparing your shrimp.
    Pat to dry, and set aside until ready to use.
  • To a large pan, add your olive oil and butter and set to medium heat.
  • Add your garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
  • Add your shrimp, making sure to not crowd the pan.
  • Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and fry on medium/high heat for 1-2 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn pink.
  • Flip the shrimp, season again lightly with salt and pepper and then add your sambuca and cook on medium/high heat for an additional 2 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked.
  • Add your parsley, gently toss to combine.
  • Remove from heat, pour shrimp and garlic butter into a medium sized serving bowl.
  • Serve with toasted crostini and enjoy right away!

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Sammy Montgoms
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 4 people

About Sammy Montgoms

I am so glad you are here. I am a BIG foodie gal. I am one of those people who lives to eat, rather than eats to live. I love to create nostalgic Italian dishes (especially pasta), but I also love to whip up simple and quick recipes for my family. Hopefully, my page inspires you to do the same. Thank you for being here, and happy eating!

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Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I always made a very similar garlic shrimp but it never came out this perfect..maybe i wasn’t using enough butter ๐Ÿ™‚ I actually served it over pasta and added some parmesan cheese. 5 stars all the way!!

    1. Hi Rosa! Wow – that sounds so, so tasty! Thank you for making my recipe-so happy you enjoyed it!