Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that looks stunning, smells dreamy, and comes together in less than 15 minutes, you’ve met your match with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe. Plump shrimp, golden butter, and a zesty burst of lemon meld with the savory warmth of garlic in every bite. This dish is a total showstopper: rich yet light, elegant but wildly easy, and built entirely on everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether served over pasta or straight from the pan, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is pure comfort and sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity: just a handful of honest, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role in the final masterpiece. Every element here matters, creating layers of flavor, color, and irresistible aroma from the very first sizzle.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The hero of this dish brings delicate sweetness and buttery texture, perfect for soaking up all the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds luxurious richness and helps create that luscious, silky sauce.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the butter cook at a higher temperature and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The heart and soul of the Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe—go bold here for the most flavor!
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little kick, this brings gentle heat and complexity.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch gives the shrimp lovely color and a light smoky undertone.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors, making each bite perfectly seasoned.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and balance, cutting through all that buttery goodness.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Lifts the dish with freshness and vibrant color.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): Squeeze these over right before eating for a final zing of citrus.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Begin by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this makes sure they sear up beautifully in the pan. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Massaging these spices into the shrimp guarantees every morsel is tasty and vibrant, with a subtle smoky flavor from the paprika to really set this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe apart.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Set a large skillet over medium heat, and add both the olive oil and unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely until it starts to foam ever so slightly and smells irresistible. The combo of oil and butter creates the perfect base for sautéing: rich flavor from the butter, while the olive oil keeps it from burning.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) to the hot skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly—just enough to let the garlic turn fragrant and golden, but not brown. This brief moment unlocks layers of aroma, which will infuse every drop of your buttery sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your skillet, so they cook evenly and get that gorgeous pink color. Let the shrimp cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they’re opaque and firm to the touch. Watch closely; shrimp cook quickly and overcooking can make them rubbery.
Step 5: Add Lemon and Herbs
Pour in the lemon juice and scatter the chopped parsley over the shrimp. Toss everything together so the shrimp soak up the zesty, buttery garlic sauce. This final flourish brightens up the whole dish, pulling all the flavors together. Remove from heat and serve right away with extra lemon wedges on the side—you want to catch every bit of that heavenly sauce!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley adds color and a herbal finish, making the dish pop visually. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone squeeze the juice to taste, adding a bright layer that balances the richness of the butter and the sweet shrimp. Both touches give a polished, restaurant-worthy flair.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is endlessly versatile! Serve it piled over angel hair pasta, spooned atop steaming rice, or simply with slices of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the garlic butter. If you’re keeping things light and gluten-free, try pairing it with a crunchy green salad or some sautéed zucchini noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, serve the shrimp on small skewers for easy finger food. Or nestle them into lettuce cups for a breezy, low-carb option. Toss with cooked orzo or couscous for a colorful main dish salad—perfect for potlucks or picnics, and always a hit at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra shrimp and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. The flavors develop even more after a little rest, making leftovers a serious treat for lunch or dinner the next day. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to two days, though best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While it’s totally safe to freeze cooked shrimp, the texture can change a bit. If you do freeze, lay the cooked (and cooled) shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. Use within one month for best results, and freeze the garlic butter sauce separately, if possible, to avoid a mushy texture upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce together in a skillet over low heat. Avoid blasting them in the microwave, as this can make the shrimp rubbery. A quick sauté just until heated through keeps the shrimp juicy and maintains all those flavors you love from this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely—just thaw your shrimp under cold running water or overnight in the fridge, then pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking as directed. Frozen shrimp are a convenient and affordable option, and this flexible recipe welcomes them with open arms.
Do I need to leave the tails on the shrimp?
This is purely your call! Leaving the tails on adds a pretty visual element and a little extra flavor as the shrimp cook, but if you prefer to go tail-off for easier eating, feel free to do so. Either way, the recipe works beautifully.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the red pepper flakes?
Definitely—red pepper flakes are totally optional here. Omitting them makes the Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe mild, letting the garlic and lemon flavors shine. You can always sprinkle some on at the end for spice-lovers at the table.
Can I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute a plant-based butter or simply use extra olive oil in place of the butter. The garlic, lemon, and parsley still deliver punchy, delicious flavor, even without the creamy richness of real butter.
Why is it important to pat the shrimp dry before cooking?
Drying the shrimp ensures they sear up quickly and get that signature pink, slightly caramelized exterior. Excess moisture in the pan can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sauté, making them bland or mushy. A quick pat with paper towels makes all the difference in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something quick, satisfying, and a little bit special, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is the answer. It’s a breeze to make, bursting with vibrant flavors, and guaranteed to dazzle anyone lucky enough to share your table. Give it a try—you might find yourself coming back to this one again and again!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic-infused buttery sauce with a hint of lemon and herbs make this a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Butter Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook Butter Mixture: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer, cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Finish: Stir in lemon juice and parsley, toss to coat. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- You can use frozen shrimp, just thaw and pat dry.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
