Hey y’all! If you’re craving something that’s quick, packed with flavor, and effortlessly elegant, you’ve got to try this Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe. With plump, juicy shrimp enveloped in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself. Trust me, it’s so easy and satisfying, you’ll keep coming back for more. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Uses simple ingredients yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor.
- Versatile—serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
- Low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free.
- Always a crowd-pleaser for family or guests.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. This ensures even seasoning and maximizes flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and pink.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Lemon
Add remaining tablespoon of butter and fresh lemon juice. Toss to coat the shrimp in the buttery, lemony sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Notes & Tips
- For the juiciest shrimp, avoid overcooking—shrimp cook fast! Learn more about shrimp doneness.
- If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a cold water bath.
- Try freshly squeezed lemon for the brightest, most vibrant flavor (here’s a guide to juicing lemons).
Garlic Butter Shrimp Variations
- Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a kick.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end for a luscious sauce.
- Lemon Herb Garlic Butter Shrimp: Mix in fresh chopped basil or dill for extra herbaceous flavor.
Equipment Needed for Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Paper towels for drying shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through to avoid overcooking. Not recommended for freezing, as shrimp can become tough.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Spoon over garlic butter linguine or your favorite pasta
- Serve with fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce
- Round out the meal with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture (learn more about shrimp nutrition).
- Preheat your pan before adding shrimp to ensure a great sear and prevent sticking.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra flavor dimension.
Garlic Butter Shrimp FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture.
- What size shrimp is best?
- Large (16-20 count per pound) or extra-large shrimp work best for this recipe, but you can use any size—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead of time?
- It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook right before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
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1Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until melted.
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3Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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4Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
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5Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more.
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6Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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