Get ready to bring a slice of the iconic shrimp-loving world right into your kitchen with Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp. This dish combines plump, juicy shrimp with a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s tangy from lemon, a little kicky from red pepper, and deeply savory thanks to Worcestershire and Old Bay. The flavors are balanced and vibrant, making every bite an irresistible taste of seafood heaven. Whether you’re a fan of the famous movie or simply adore a killer shrimp skillet, this is the recipe that’ll have everyone at your table going back for seconds (or thirds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp is that the ingredient list is short, simple, and packed with flavor. Every component brings its own magic, building a dish that tastes like it took hours—but is ready in minutes!
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show; buy the freshest shrimp you can for the juiciest, most succulent bites.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity base and helps the shrimp sear without sticking.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Gives that velvety, rich finish to the sauce; using unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): For that irresistible aroma and essential savory kick.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Optional for a little heat, but it really perks up the flavors.
- White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Deglazes the pan, creating a bright, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon): Lifts and balances the richness with fresh acidity.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami and that deep, savory note reminiscent of the restaurant classic.
- Old Bay Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): That legendary seafood blend for unmistakable taste and gentle spice.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Freshens up the dish and brings a pop of color.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): The final touch; squeezing over a little at the table wakes up every bite.
How to Make Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Sauté just until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden—about 30 seconds. This step is quick, but don’t rush or let it burn; you want the perfect, mellow garlic base for Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until they’ve turned pink and are perfectly opaque. Don’t overcook—you want tender, juicy shrimp, not rubbery ones! Remove the shrimp to a plate and set them aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Signature Sauce
Without wiping the pan (flavor lives here!), pour in the white wine or chicken broth, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Turn up the heat just a little and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those caramelized bits stuck to the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces slightly, concentrating all that zesty, savory flavor essential to Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp.
Step 4: Finish and Toss
Drop in the last tablespoon of butter, swirling it through the sauce as it melts to bring everything together. Return the cooked shrimp and any drippy juices on the plate back into the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to thoroughly coat the shrimp in that decadent sauce. Cook together for just one more minute—just enough to heat everything and make those flavors sing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle over the chopped parsley for fresh flavor and a pop of green. Season everything with salt and black pepper to your taste. Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp is best served hot and right away, with lemon wedges on the side for everyone to squeeze over as they like.
How to Serve Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley and a few generous lemon wedges are classic finishing touches for Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp. The parsley keeps things bright and herby, and nothing beats the way a last-minute squeeze of lemon balances the richness of that luscious sauce. If you want to get fancy, a bit of thinly sliced scallion or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan brings new depth!
Side Dishes
This shrimp absolutely loves to be paired with simple carbs that soak up the extra sauce. Crusty French bread is a personal favorite—just rip, dip, and savor! For a heartier meal, serve Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp over fluffy white rice or a tangle of buttery linguine. Steamed veggies or a crisp green salad balance the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make your dinner feel special? You can skewer the shrimp for easy party eats, spoon them into mini rolls for New Orleans-style shrimp po’boys, or layer them over creamy grits for a Southern spin. Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp also shines in taco form with spicy slaw, or as a decadent topping for baked potatoes. Get playful and impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the shrimp cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp will keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen, making for a great second-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
For longer storage, place cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent textural changes, consider undercooking the shrimp by a minute before freezing, and finish cooking them when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen up the sauce and keeps the shrimp juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp tough—low and slow works best for reviving this dish’s tender texture and vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry first to avoid excess moisture. The flavor and texture will still shine in this recipe, especially if you use large, good-quality frozen shrimp.
What type Main Course
A dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is perfect—it adds brightness and a delicate acidity. If you don’t have wine on hand or prefer not to use it, chicken broth is a delicious, equally flavorful substitute.
How spicy is this dish?
By default, Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp has just a gentle kick from the optional red pepper flakes. Add more or less to fit your crowd’s spice preference, or leave them out entirely for a milder take that’s still loaded with flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a good-quality plant-based alternative, and you’ll retain that creamy, rich mouthfeel in the sauce. Just make sure the substitute melts well for the best results.
What’s the best way to serve Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp for a party?
Double (or triple!) the batch and arrange the saucy shrimp in a big serving platter surrounded by plenty of bread, lemon wedges, and toothpicks for easy sharing. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and encourages everyone to dig in family-style.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a skillet of Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp. Big flavor, minimal fuss, and so many ways to enjoy it—this is a recipe you’ll want in your weeknight and entertaining rotation all year long. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your own signature seafood dish!
Print
Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Seafood
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make Bubba Gump’s Signature Shrimp at home with this easy and flavorful recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice, white wine, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- salt and black pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer, cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Make the Sauce: Add white wine (or broth), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, return shrimp to the pan, toss to coat, and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For a creamier version, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *