If you’re searching for the ultimate quick-fix meal that dazzles with flavor, Garlic Butter Shrimp is about to become your new obsession! Imagine plump, juicy shrimp bathed in golden, garlicky butter with a splash of fresh lemon—ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for weeknights or date nights alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free: You can whip up Garlic Butter Shrimp in about 15 minutes, making it an unbeatable option for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Each bite bursts with buttery richness and fresh, zesty lemon—no fancy skills required.
- Minimal, Everyday Ingredients: With basics like butter, garlic, shrimp, and lemon, you’ll likely already have everything you need.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, tossed over pasta, or spooned onto crusty bread for instant comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients deliver big flavor in this Garlic Butter Shrimp. Each ingredient is chosen for a purpose: balanced richness, bright freshness, and that signature savory aroma that makes your whole kitchen smell irresistible.
- Shrimp (½ lb., fresh or frozen): The star of the show! Choose peeled and deveined for the fastest prep, but you can use shell-on for extra flavor if you don’t mind getting hands-on.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Don’t skimp here—it infuses the butter with deep, aromatic flavor that makes this dish so addictive.
- Lemon (1): A squeeze of juice brings a bright, fresh pop and balances out the richness of the butter perfectly.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): For that velvety, indulgent base. Salted or unsalted both work; just adjust your salt if needed.
- Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Blending butter and oil prevents burning and gives the shrimp a gorgeous, glossy finish.
- Salt & Black Pepper (⅛ tsp each): Simple seasoning to make those flavors sing—freshly cracked pepper adds delicious depth.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tsp, chopped, optional): A sprinkle of green for color, plus a subtle earthy note at the end.
Variations
The joy of Garlic Butter Shrimp is how endlessly you can riff on it—this recipe is a versatile base ready for your personal twist! Don’t hesitate to get creative and adapt it for different dietary needs, extra veggies, or whatever you have on hand.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when cooking for a lively, spicy kick.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta: Toss the cooked shrimp and buttery sauce over linguine or spaghetti for an effortless, restaurant-worthy dinner.
- Citrus Swap: Try fresh lime in place of lemon for a tangy, slightly tropical twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and all olive oil for a creamy, plant-based alternative that still packs bold flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If you’re starting with frozen shrimp, quickly thaw by placing them in a colander and running cool water over them for a couple of minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed, then pat dry with a paper towel for the best sear and texture—excess moisture is the enemy of glorious, buttery browning.
Step 2: Get Your Flavors Ready
Zest things up! Mince your garlic and squeeze two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, keeping both close at hand for when things move fast on the stove. Having everything prepped makes this recipe virtually foolproof.
Step 3: Melt the Butter & Sauté
In a large skillet, combine butter and olive oil over medium heat. Let the butter melt and start to foam—you’re building the flavor base right here. As soon as that irresistible smell of melted butter fills the air, you’re ready for the shrimp.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for just 1–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Watch closely! Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so aim to pull them off once all sides are just cooked through.
Step 5: Add Garlic & Lemon
Toss in the minced garlic and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Sauté everything together for about a minute, just until the garlic loses its raw bite and melts into the buttery sauce—this step transforms the dish from good to legendary.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and (if you like) chopped fresh parsley. Give it all a gentle toss so each shrimp is glistening and coated with sauce. Serve straight from the skillet and get ready for applause!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Shrimp Selection: Opt for medium to large shrimp (31–40 count per pound) for juicier texture and easier cooking—they’ll be plump and flavorful without overcooking in a flash.
- Prepping Garlic Like a Pro: Mince your garlic finely to ensure even distribution and that incredible fragrance in every bite—use a microplane for an ultra-fine texture if you prefer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your shrimp some breathing room for the best color and flavor; cook in batches if necessary so each shrimp spends time sizzling directly on the skillet surface.
- Sauce Saver: Don’t let those tasty browned bits go to waste—after removing the shrimp, swirl in an extra splash of lemon juice and a pat of butter to create even more sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garnishes
Dress up your Garlic Butter Shrimp with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or snipped chives—this adds brightness and a pop of color that just whispers “fancy restaurant.” If you’re feeling decadent, a dusting of grated Parmesan is absolutely delicious!
Side Dishes
This dish shines with so many sides. Serve atop fluffy rice, buttery noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the garlic-lemon butter. Crusty bread is a must for swooping up any leftover sauce—or try it with a crisp, tangy side salad to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, spoon your Garlic Butter Shrimp onto toasted baguette slices for easy finger food. Layer over a bed of sautéed spinach or zoodles for a gluten-free twist, or tuck them into warm tortillas with slices of avocado for a breezy seafood taco night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The key is to let them cool before packing to maintain that perfect texture—nobody wants soggy shrimp!
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen after cooking, for best flavor and tenderness, it’s recommended to freeze only if absolutely necessary. Place cooled shrimp in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month—be aware that reheating from frozen may slightly change the texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra lemon juice—just until heated through. Too much heat can make shrimp rubbery, so keep a close eye and enjoy as soon as they’re warmed!
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Yes, but stick to just heating the shrimp through with the garlic butter and lemon—overcooking will make pre-cooked shrimp tough. Add them right after the garlic, toss for a minute, and serve immediately.
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Is it better to use fresh or frozen shrimp?
You can use either! Frozen shrimp are often frozen at peak freshness and work beautifully after a quick thaw. Fresh shrimp can add an even sweeter flavor, but honestly, both make for stunning Garlic Butter Shrimp.
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What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) are ideal—they cook quickly, stay tender, and look fantastic on the plate. Avoid very small shrimp, as they can overcook before picking up enough flavor from the sauce.
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Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead for a party?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh for that perfect texture, you can cook the shrimp just until barely done and refrigerate. Briefly warm everything in the skillet with extra butter and lemon right before serving for a fresh-tasting result with all that garlicky goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s easy, comforting, and totally packed with flavor, Garlic Butter Shrimp truly delivers every single time. Give it a try tonight—the few simple steps will have you celebrating at the dinner table in less than 20 minutes. Enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and easy dish bursting with flavor. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic-infused butter sauce, finished with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb. frozen shrimp (or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Thaw Shrimp: If your shrimp is frozen, place it in a colander and run cool water over the shrimp until thawed. Remove shell and tail if necessary, then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare Ingredients: Squeeze lemon juice and mince garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque on both sides (1-3 minutes per side).
- Add Flavor: Stir in garlic and lemon juice. Sauté for another minute until garlic is cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Serve: Toss shrimp to combine with the sauce, then serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 258 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 482mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 178mg
