Garlic Butter Shrimp

Imagine the sizzle of plump shrimp hitting a hot buttery skillet, the rich aroma of garlic filling your kitchen — that’s the magic of Garlic Butter Shrimp. This dish is special because it delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor in under 15 minutes using just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, Garlic Butter Shrimp never disappoints. It’s rich, garlicky, buttery, and finished with a bright pop of lemon and fresh parsley. You’ll learn exactly how to make this dish perfectly every time, from selecting the best shrimp to nailing the timing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation — and for good reason. First, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it one of the fastest satisfying meals you can put on the table. The flavor payoff is enormous: a luscious, golden butter sauce infused with sharp garlic, a gentle kick of red pepper flakes, and a burst of fresh lemon juice.

The shrimp cook up tender and juicy every single time, absorbing every drop of that irresistible sauce. It’s also incredibly versatile — serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, and it transforms completely. There’s no complicated technique involved, no hard-to-find ingredients, and minimal cleanup. This garlic butter shrimp recipe is proof that simple cooking can be absolutely spectacular. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for casual family dinners and elegant entertaining alike.

Ingredients List for the Garlic Butter Shrimp

You only need a few fresh, simple ingredients to make this dish shine. Every component plays an important role in building that signature rich and savory flavor.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)

• 1 pound shrimp (large or jumbo, shelled)

• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 6 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Pro Tips

Mastering Garlic Butter Shrimp comes down to three critical techniques that make the difference between good and absolutely perfect.

Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook incredibly fast — just 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. The moment they curl into a “C” shape and turn pink, they’re done. An overcooked shrimp curls into an “O” shape and turns rubbery, which ruins the entire dish. Pull them off the heat at the right moment.

Use freshly minced garlic. Pre-jarred garlic lacks the sharp, pungent flavor that makes this dish special. Mince your garlic fresh for the best results. Also, add the garlic after the shrimp are nearly done cooking — garlic burns quickly and burnt garlic turns bitter, completely overpowering the sauce.

Use cold butter to finish. Stirring cold or room-temperature butter into the pan at the end creates a silky, emulsified sauce rather than a greasy one. This technique is what gives the dish that glossy, restaurant-quality coating every home cook dreams of.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the best Garlic Butter Shrimp every time.

Step 1: Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter to a large skillet, over medium high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink. Season with salt. Flip over and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add garlic: Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds or until aromatic. Do not burn.

Step 3: Finish the shrimp: Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley. Turn off the heat. Serve immediately.

Variations

One of the best things about this easy garlic butter shrimp recipe is how effortlessly it adapts to different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: After adding the garlic, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream along with the butter and lemon juice. This creates a luscious, velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with fettuccine or wide egg noodles for a truly indulgent meal.

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp: Replace the red pepper flakes with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a smoky, spiced twist. This version is especially delicious served over cheesy grits or alongside roasted corn.

Herb Garlic Butter Shrimp: Swap the parsley for a combination of fresh basil and thyme to create a Mediterranean-inspired version. A splash of white wine added after the garlic deepens the flavor and adds a subtle brightness that elevates the entire dish.

Storage and Serving

Storing Leftovers

Garlic Butter Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, but leftovers store well. Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water or broth to prevent the shrimp from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make shrimp rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Spoon it over fluffy white rice or buttered pasta for a complete and satisfying dinner. Serve it alongside crusty sourdough bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with zucchini noodles or a crisp green salad. A chilled glass of white wine makes the perfect companion.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Yes, absolutely. Thaw frozen shrimp completely under cold running water before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sear much better and develop a nicer golden color in the pan.

What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe. They’re easier to cook without overdoing it and have a meatier, more satisfying texture that holds up beautifully in the buttery sauce.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. The dish will still deliver great flavor, though the sauce may be slightly less rich in texture.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Always add the garlic after the shrimp are nearly cooked through. Keep the heat at medium-high and stir constantly once the garlic hits the pan. It only needs about 30 seconds — just until fragrant.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s flexible enough to work as both a main course and an impressive appetizer.

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