Garlic Butter Shrimp

The sizzle of garlic hitting hot butter is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and this Garlic Butter Shrimp delivers all that aroma and more in just 15 minutes. Each bite is juicy, tender, and infused with buttery richness and fresh citrus, making it a fast favorite for seafood lovers and weeknight warriors alike.

Perfectly seared shrimp are bathed in a luscious lemon-garlic sauce that’s spoon-worthy, and best served with crusty bread, pasta, or a light side salad. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or whipping up something quick and delicious after work, this dish is your new go-to for big flavor with minimal fuss.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions:

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

5. Pour in the lemon juice and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.

6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Is the Ultimate Go-To Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp is more than just a recipe, it’s a culinary experience that combines simplicity, speed, and bold flavors. For anyone who’s ever come home after a long day and wondered, “What’s something fast, easy, and insanely delicious I can cook tonight?” this dish is the answer. With its luscious garlic and lemon-scented butter sauce coating plump, juicy shrimp, it manages to feel indulgent while being light and healthy at the same time.

In the world of quick dinners, Garlic Butter Shrimp reigns supreme. It’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, veggies, or crusty bread, and customizable with your favorite spices or fresh herbs. This dish checks all the boxes: low in carbs, gluten-free, pescatarian-friendly, and elegant enough for entertaining. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prep or scaling up to serve at dinner parties.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this dish a weeknight winner and a kitchen staple for seafood lovers.

The Magic of Garlic and Butter

At the heart of this recipe lies a timeless flavor duo: garlic and butter. Garlic, when lightly sautéed, releases a warm, nutty aroma that brings depth to any dish. It’s a pantry essential in almost every cuisine around the world, and for good reason. In this dish, it adds a bold punch that contrasts beautifully with the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Butter, on the other hand, brings smoothness and a touch of richness that envelops the shrimp in a luxurious sauce. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level and let the garlic flavor shine through. For an even more aromatic twist, some cooks choose to brown the butter slightly before adding the garlic, creating a nutty undertone that elevates the dish further.

Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end provides balance. The acid cuts through the richness of the butter, brightens the dish, and enhances the shrimp’s flavor. The result? A perfectly harmonious, restaurant-quality sauce in under 15 minutes.

Choosing the Best Shrimp

Quality ingredients are key to this recipe’s success, and shrimp is the star. Here’s what to keep in mind when buying shrimp:

1. Size

For this dish, large shrimp (around 21/25 count per pound) are ideal. They’re big enough to sear well in a hot pan and small enough to cook quickly and stay tender.

2. Fresh vs. Frozen

Don’t worry if fresh shrimp isn’t available. In fact, many frozen shrimps are flash-frozen at sea, preserving their freshness better than “fresh” shrimp that have been sitting in a display case for days. Just make sure to thaw them properly, overnight in the fridge or under cold running water for quicker prep.

3. Peeled and Deveined

For convenience, buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. This saves time and ensures your dish comes together quickly.

Flavor Variations and Customization Ideas

One of the great things about Garlic Butter Shrimp is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to add some heat or deepen the flavor, here are a few ways to customize:

Spice It Up

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat.

• Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder for a smoky edge.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Parsley is the classic garnish, but you can also use cilantro, basil, or thyme for a fresh herbal contrast.

• Add a sprig of rosemary to the butter as it melts for a fragrant infusion.

Extra Aromatics

• Mix in finely chopped shallots, scallions, or a dash of white wine for more complexity.

• Add a little grated Parmesan for an umami-rich finish.

Citrus Twist

• Swap out lemon for lime for a more tropical flavor.

• Add lemon zest for extra brightness without additional acid.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways depending on your mood or dietary needs. Here are some serving ideas to suit different occasions:

Over Pasta

Toss the shrimp and buttery sauce with cooked spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair for a quick scampi-inspired dinner. Add a handful of arugula or spinach to the pasta for greens.

With Rice or Quinoa

For a heartier option, serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed rice or nutty quinoa. It soaks up the garlic butter beautifully.

As a Topping

Add shrimp on top of a fresh green salad for a light yet protein-rich lunch. It also makes an elegant topping for creamy risotto or polenta.

With Crusty Bread

This is a must-try. Serve with warm crusty sourdough or a toasted baguette to mop up every drop of that garlic butter sauce. Pure heaven.

Tacos or Wraps

Tuck the shrimp into tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or aioli for a quick shrimp taco.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Garlic Butter Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but it also works for meal prep:

• To Store: Keep cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• To Reheat: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter. Avoid the microwave to prevent overcooking.

• To Freeze: While cooked shrimp can be frozen, the texture may become rubbery. For best results, freeze raw shrimp and make the recipe fresh when ready.

Why It’s Great for Entertaining

Hosting guests? This dish is a lifesaver. It comes together so quickly that you can cook it while sipping a glass of wine and chatting. It also scales up effortlessly—just use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Plated nicely with a few lemon wedges and a sprinkling of parsley, Garlic Butter Shrimp looks just as fancy as anything served at a seafood bistro. Serve it with wine (a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully), and you have a gourmet dinner in no time.

Health Benefits

Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional value:

• High in Protein: Great for muscle repair and satiety.

• Low in Calories and Carbs: Perfect for low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets.

• Rich in Selenium and B12: Supports thyroid health and energy metabolism.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports brain and heart health.

By using healthy fats like olive oil and controlling your butter portion, you can make this dish both decadent and balanced.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp

• Do not overcook. Shrimp cook quickly 1–2 minutes per side is all you need. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and lose their juiciness.

• Use high heat. This gives the shrimp a nice sear and locks in flavor.

• Dry the shrimp. Patting the shrimp dry before cooking helps prevent steaming and promotes better browning.

• Don’t crowd the pan. If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches to maintain that seared texture.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a beautiful example of how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s elegant enough for special occasions and effortless enough for weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is foolproof, fast, and bursting with flavor.

If you’re looking for that one seafood recipe to add to your regular rotation, something that always impresses, never disappoints, and comes together in minutes, this is it. Pair it with your favorite side, a chilled glass of white wine, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home.