Introduction
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a timeless, elegant dish that proves that simplicity is often the key to culinary perfection. With just a handful of ingredients—butter, garlic, shrimp, and a few seasonings—you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes. The shrimp cook quickly, becoming juicy and tender while being coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s both savory and aromatic.
This dish is versatile enough for any occasion. It can be served as an appetizer with crusty bread, tossed with pasta for a hearty dinner, or paired with rice and vegetables for a balanced meal. The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp is that it feels indulgent but remains light and wholesome, highlighting the natural sweetness of shrimp without overwhelming it.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly quick yet full of flavor. The buttery garlic sauce is so luscious that it feels like a comfort food, while the shrimp keep the dish light, fresh, and satisfying. I especially enjoy how versatile it is—you can enjoy it as a weeknight dinner or dress it up for a special occasion.
Another reason I love it: it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves the combination of garlic, butter, and seafood. Plus, the recipe requires minimal prep and uses simple pantry staples, making it the perfect go-to dish when you want something special without too much effort.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-packed: Garlic and butter create a rich, aromatic sauce.
- Versatile: Pairs with pasta, rice, bread, or veggies.
- Healthy yet indulgent: High in protein, lighter than most comfort foods.
- Restaurant quality: Tastes fancy but requires no special skills.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~320 kcal
Course & Cuisine
- Course: Main Dish / Appetizer
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
Ingredients
For Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp paprika (for color & flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter.
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine
- Return shrimp to the skillet.
- Toss to coat shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve Immediately
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy hot.
How to Serve
- With linguine or spaghetti, tossing shrimp and sauce into the pasta.
- Over steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty yet light meal.
- With crusty bread to soak up the buttery garlic sauce.
- As an appetizer served in a shallow dish with lemon wedges.
- Alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen (thawed) works too.
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they turn rubbery if cooked too long.
- For a richer sauce, add ¼ cup white wine before adding shrimp back in.
- Add zest of 1 lemon for a fresh citrusy kick.
- Serve immediately; shrimp taste best right after cooking.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Add white wine and toss with pasta.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggies: Toss in asparagus, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls: Serve over rice with avocado and cucumber.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a luxurious sauce.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat; avoid microwaving.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp is the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can create big flavors. Juicy, tender shrimp coated in buttery garlic sauce make this dish both comforting and elegant. It’s quick to prepare, versatile to serve, and guaranteed to impress—whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests.
Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to seafood favorites, perfect for any night of the week.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a timeless, elegant dish that proves that simplicity is often the key to culinary perfection. With just a handful of ingredients—butter, garlic, shrimp, and a few seasonings—you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For Garlic Butter Shrimp
Instructions
-
Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
-
Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
-
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat shrimp in the garlic butter sauce. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
-
Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy hot.
