If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts quick, elegant, and utterly irresistible, Garlic Butter Shrimp is about to become your dinnertime hero. Juicy shrimp get a fast bath in luscious garlicky butter, a splash of zippy lemon, and a scatter of fresh herbs for a meal that feels restaurant-special but comes together in barely 15 minutes. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner warrior or hosting friends last-minute, this recipe will leave you marveling at how a few simple ingredients can create such a memorable, crowd-pleasing flavor bomb.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love when the brightest flavors come from humble ingredients? Each item here is essential—nothing extra, nothing fancy, just high-impact taste and that signature Garlic Butter Shrimp aroma. Here’s what brings it all together:

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp soak up flavor and cook lightning-fast for tender bites every time.
Unsalted butter: The rich, creamy foundation of the sauce; use unsalted to control the seasoning.
Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic depth that’s the soul of this dish.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a gentle kick of heat that wakes everything up.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh juice balances the richness and keeps things bright.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
Salt and pepper: Just enough to highlight the flavors without overpowering them.
Lemon wedges: For serving, so everyone can add their own zing right at the table.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Start by thoroughly patting the shrimp dry with paper towels—this simple step prevents excess moisture and deepens the flavor when they hit the pan. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper, ensuring every shrimp is nicely seasoned before cooking begins.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Bloom the Garlic

Set a large skillet over medium heat, then add the butter. As it melts into a golden pool, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of heat). Stir and let things sizzle just until the garlic is fragrant—about 30 seconds is all it takes to unlock its magic without burning it.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your skillet. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping just once, until they’re firm, bright pink, and cooked through. Work in batches if needed so you don’t crowd the pan; good browning is your friend here.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Parsley

With the shrimp perfectly cooked, reduce the heat and drizzle in the lemon juice. Scatter over the chopped parsley and gently toss everything to coat each shrimp in buttery, garlicky goodness with that burst of acidity and freshness from the lemon and herbs.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Transfer your garlic butter shrimp to a plate or shallow bowl, making sure to spoon over every last drop of sauce. Serve straight away with lemon wedges for that final flourish—don’t let the sauce go to waste!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley is always welcome for fresh color and a whisper of garden flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a little grated parmesan for extra richness. Lemon wedges on the side ensure each bite can be dialed up with a fresh burst of citrus.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Shrimp is endlessly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve these beauties atop fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, over a bowl of al dente pasta for a shrimp scampi vibe, or partnered with crusty bread—trust me, you’ll want something to mop up every drop of that buttery, garlicky puddle. For lighter options, go with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus.

Creative Ways to Present

These shrimp love the spotlight at dinner parties! Try threading them onto skewers for an elegant appetizer, or serve on a platter piled high with toasted baguette slices for a shareable feast. Want to go bold? Toss the hot shrimp and sauce with spiralized zucchini noodles for a fresh, low-carb twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover garlic butter shrimp, transfer them (with ALL the sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp will soak up even more of the flavor as they sit, making terrific leftovers for salads or wraps.

Freezing

While shrimp technically can be frozen, the texture is never quite the same after reheating, especially when cooked with butter. If you must freeze, let the dish cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Defrost gently in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Too much heat and the shrimp can get rubbery, so go slow. If the butter sauce needs a refresher, add a small splash of water or extra butter to revive it as it warms.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor. Wet shrimp can steam instead of searing, which you want to avoid for this dish.

Is there a dairy-free way to make Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Yes, in a pinch you can use a good quality olive oil or vegan butter substitute. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get those garlicky, lemony flavors with a rich mouthfeel.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and hold up well to quick, high-heat cooking. Medium shrimp will also work—just watch your cook time, as they’ll be done even faster.

Can I make extra sauce?

If you’re a sauce lover (and who isn’t with garlic butter?), simply double the butter and garlic quantities. You’ll be glad you did, especially if bread or pasta will be sharing the plate.

How spicy does the dish get with red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that balances the richness, but you control the spice by adding more, less, or leaving them out entirely. Start small; you can always add more at the table!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe—whether you’re making a quick solo dinner or sharing it as a dazzling centerpiece with friends. It’s simple, cozy, and guaranteed to become one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and easy seafood dish packed with flavor. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a delicious garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer, cook until pink and opaque on both sides.
Finish Dish: Stir in lemon juice and parsley, toss to coat. Remove from heat.
Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.