Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe: A Tangy Seafood Delight

Succulent garlic butter shrimp dance with flavor in this mouthwatering culinary creation.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspired these delectable morsels.

Tender shellfish glisten under a rich, velvable coating that melts effortlessly.

Fresh ingredients combine to craft an elegant meal anyone can master quickly.

Fragrant herbs and zesty seasonings complement the delicate seafood perfectly.

Each bite promises a symphony of savory notes that will transport you straight to seaside dining.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet spectacular this dish becomes in mere minutes.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Bursting with Flavor

  • Quickly Master a Gourmet Dish: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills.
  • Speedy Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a delicious protein-packed meal in just minutes, perfect for busy families needing a quick and satisfying dinner option.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or serving it over pasta, rice, or with a fresh salad to create endless meal variations.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein Choice: Shrimp offers a universally loved seafood option that appeals to both adults and kids, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Garlic Butter Shrimp

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the core of this delicious dish and provides a tender, succulent texture.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce for the shrimp.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: These ingredients build a robust base of flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the butter and provides a fresh finish.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Offers a fresh, green color and a mild herbal flavor that complements the richness of the shrimp and butter.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Perfectly

Step 1: Prep the Flavor Foundation

Get your skillet ready for a mouthwatering adventure. Pull out a large skillet and place it on the stovetop.

You’ll want a pan that gives your shrimp plenty of room to dance and sear perfectly.

Step 2: Butter Bliss Begins

Drop butter into the skillet and set the heat to medium.

Watch as the butter melts into a golden, bubbling pool of deliciousness. The kitchen will start to smell amazing already!

Step 3: Garlic Magic Unleashed

Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle. Swirl it around the pan for about a minute, letting those aromatic flavors bloom.

Be careful – you want the garlic to whisper its fragrance, not turn brown and bitter.

Step 4: Shrimp Spectacular

Carefully arrange the shrimp in a single layer across the skillet.

Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they start turning a beautiful pink. Flip each shrimp and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle in:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh lemon juice

Gently stir everything together, coating the shrimp in a luxurious garlic butter sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Pull the skillet off the heat.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and the butter is still sizzling.

Pro Tips for Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • Safely defrost frozen shrimp by placing them in a colander under cold running water for faster, even thawing.
  • Watch shrimp carefully during cooking; they turn rubbery when overcooked, so remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
  • Use freshly minced garlic for a more intense, aromatic taste compared to pre-chopped or jarred varieties.
  • Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  • Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Flavor Twists for Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Replace salt and pepper with Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Swap parsley for fresh basil and oregano, add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Use ghee instead of butter and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil and coconut oil blend for those avoiding dairy products.

Pairing Recommendations with Garlic Butter Shrimp

Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the rich garlic butter shrimp, cutting through the buttery texture and enhancing the seafood’s delicate flavor.

Serve warm, artisan sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, transforming every bite into a luxurious experience.

Prepare a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the shrimp’s richness, adding brightness and providing a cool contrast to the warm dish.

Choose a lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, highlighting the shrimp’s subtle seafood notes and refreshing the taste buds.

Best Ways to Store Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and avoid overcooking.
  • Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until warmed through, preventing rubber-like texture.

FAQs

  • What are the best types of shrimp to use for this recipe?

Large or jumbo wild-caught or farm-raised shrimp work best. Peeled and deveined shrimp save preparation time and ensure easier cooking.

  • How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp turn from translucent gray to bright pink and curl slightly when fully cooked. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch carefully during the 2-3 minute cooking time.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Shrimp are best served immediately after cooking to maintain texture and flavor. Preparing ingredients in advance is possible, but cooking should be done just before serving to prevent overcooking.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp dance with zesty flavors in this Mediterranean-inspired seafood delight. Fresh prawns sizzle in golden butter, promising a quick and elegant meal that brings coastal charm directly to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 45 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare a pristine culinary workspace and verify thawed shrimp are thoroughly dried with paper towels.
  2. Place a spacious skillet over medium heat and allow butter to melt, creating a gentle bubbling surface.
  3. Introduce finely chopped garlic to the melted butter, stirring continuously for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic without developing brown edges.
  4. Carefully arrange shrimp in a uniform layer across the skillet, ensuring each piece touches the cooking surface directly.
  5. Cook first side of shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink hue, then methodically flip each piece to expose the uncooked side.
  6. Continue cooking the alternate side for an additional 2-3 minutes, maintaining consistent heat and monitoring color transformation.
  7. Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling salt and freshly ground black pepper, then delicately squeeze fresh lemon juice across the shrimp.
  8. Gently incorporate seasonings by softly stirring, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
  9. Remove skillet from heat source immediately after seasoning and elegantly garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  10. Transfer shrimp to serving platter and present while temperature remains optimally warm.

Notes

  • Pat shrimp completely dry to achieve perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor punch, avoiding pre-minced versions which can taste less vibrant.
  • Select medium-high heat to create delicious caramelization without burning butter or garlic.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace regular butter with clarified butter or ghee for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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