Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a dinner that’s vibrant, lightning-fast, and absolutely bursting with flavor, the Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe will swoop in to save even your busiest weeknights. Sweet, juicy shrimp are tossed in a silky, garlicky butter sauce brightened with lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—each bite feels like a mini vacation. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just craving something simple and special, this dish is the definition of weeknight elegance. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is proof that a handful of really good ingredients can create restaurant-worthy results. Each element in this lineup brings something unique: color, fragrance, a hint of heat, or that irresistible richness that makes you reach for more bread to mop up the sauce.
- Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show! Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the juiciest texture; tails on look gorgeous for presentation, but tails off are easier for eating.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): This is where the magic happens—rich, creamy butter forms the luscious base of the sauce, so don’t skimp!
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is absolutely essential here; it infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): A pinch adds gentle heat and a pop of color, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer mild flavors.
- Lemon Juice (from ½ lemon, about 1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up and balances the buttery richness perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a fresh, herbal finish and a burst of green that makes the whole dish pop.
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: The basics, but oh-so-important—season just before cooking for the best flavor.
- Lemon Wedges, for serving: Perfect for squeezing over just before digging in, adding even more zing!
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels—this little move ensures they sear beautifully and don’t steam in the pan. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides. Seasoning before cooking lets every bite soak up flavor, right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling gently, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir constantly for about 30 to 60 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant—keep a close eye so it doesn’t brown or burn. That sizzle will fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Lay the shrimp in the pan in a single layer, making sure they each get a little space. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side; you’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook—shrimp go from tender to tough in seconds, so keep it quick!
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon right over the shrimp and scatter the chopped parsley. Give everything a gentle toss to coat the shrimp in that luscious, garlicky butter. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the lemon juice ties all the flavors together.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Transfer your sizzling shrimp to a serving platter or bowl, making sure to pour over all the buttery sauce. Add a few extra lemon wedges on the side, then get ready to dig in while everything is hot and glistening.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A generous shower of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe look and taste restaurant-worthy. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some flaky sea salt or a kiss of black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
This shrimp is practically begging to be paired with crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every drop of buttery sauce. It’s also irresistible over a bed of fluffy rice or twirled into pasta. For something lighter, spoon the shrimp over a crisp green salad or alongside steamed veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe into impressive appetizers by serving the shrimp on skewers or crostini. Or, toss them with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb feast. For a dinner party, let the shrimp shine as the centerpiece of a seafood platter, surrounded by lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days, but are best enjoyed as soon as possible for the juiciest texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked shrimp, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the shrimp and sauce in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery. Add a splash of water or a pat of butter if the sauce needs loosening up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and prevents the sauce from getting watery.
What size shrimp works best?
Large shrimp (about 16–20 per pound) are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and are easy to flip in the pan. However, you can use medium or extra-large shrimp—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley adds a lovely burst of color and herbal flavor, but if you only have dried, use about one teaspoon. The freshness really makes a difference, though!
Can I make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or olive oil. The shrimp will still be delicious and packed with garlicky goodness.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly. Only cook it for about 30 to 60 seconds—just until fragrant. If you notice it starting to brown, add the shrimp immediately to cool the pan down.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is the answer. I hope you give it a try soon—your tastebuds (and anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner) will thank you!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in rich butter with fragrant garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes, finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley for a bright, vibrant flavor. Ready in just 11 minutes, this dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they sear well. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn to maintain a sweet, mellow flavor.
- Cook the shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Add lemon juice and parsley: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp and sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley. Stir gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve immediately: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the shrimp hot, accompanied by fresh lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. This dish goes wonderfully over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the buttery garlic sauce.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
- For added flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the shrimp.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness or omit for a milder dish.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain a tender texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
