If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavor yet comes together in a flash, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend. The tender, juicy shrimp get perfectly coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s brightened with lemon and fresh herbs, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s simple enough for any weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of buttery richness, subtle heat from cayenne, and the zesty freshness of lemon, making it a standout go-to meal that you’ll want to prepare again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each playing a vital role to pack flavor and texture into every bite. From aromatic shallots that add sweetness to fresh herbs that brighten the dish, these ingredients work together to create a perfectly balanced meal.
- 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, earthy heat that complements the garlic beautifully.
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a pinch to introduce a gentle kick of heat that wakes up your palate.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Creates a luxuriously creamy, silky sauce that clings perfectly to each shrimp.
- 1 small shallot, minced: Brings a slight sweetness and delicate onion flavor that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- ½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth): Adds acidity and depth, helping to deglaze the pan and infuse flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of the recipe, infusing every morsel with unmistakable, aromatic warmth.
- 1 small lemon, zested and juiced: Brightens and lifts the entire dish with fresh, citrusy notes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): Offers a fragrant herbal touch that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and a fresh finish to the rich sauce.
- Cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread: Ideal bases for soaking up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry to ensure they sear perfectly without steaming. Then, lightly season them with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper. This simple seasoning boosts the shrimp’s sweetness while adding just the right amount of spicy warmth to complement the garlic butter sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Shrimp
Heat two tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until it melts and begins to sizzle. Toss in the minced shallot and gently cook until it becomes soft and fragrant, releasing its natural sweetness. Next, add your shrimp in a single layer and cook them for just about one minute on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque—perfectly tender and full of flavor.
Step 3: Add Wine and Garlic
Now it’s time for the magic. Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version) followed by the minced garlic. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce by half, which concentrates the flavor and cooks the garlic until it’s tender but not bitter. This step infuses the shrimp with a lovely balance of acidity and the irresistible aroma of garlic.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the last tablespoon of butter, melting it in to create that velvety, indulgent finish. Then zest the lemon right over the pan to capture all that bright citrus oil, and squeeze in the juice from half the lemon for a fresh, tangy pop. If you’ve chosen to use fresh rosemary or thyme, sprinkle it over now to add a layer of herbal fragrance. Lastly, toss in the chopped parsley for a final touch of freshness and an inviting burst of color. Serve immediately alongside your favorite cooked rice, pasta, grits, or even toasted bread to scoop up all the garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe, think freshness and color. Sprinkling extra chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle crunch. Lemon wedges on the side invite your diners to add even more acidity if they desire, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A bed of fluffy white rice or creamy grits is classic and comforting, perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, toss the shrimp with pasta or serve over a crisp green salad for contrast. Toasted crusty bread also works wonders, letting you mop up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, try serving the shrimp in individual skillet dishes for a rustic feel that’s perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, place the shrimp atop warm crostini for stylish appetizer bites. You could even use the shrimp as a topping for stuffed baked potatoes to create a unique main course that feels special and indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Because shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery, it’s best to enjoy leftovers within this timeframe to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing cooked garlic butter shrimp isn’t ideal as it can negatively impact texture, causing the shrimp to become a bit rubbery upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty ziplock bag and use within one month for the best results. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or wine to keep them moist. Avoid using high heat or the microwave, which can overcook them quickly. Heating slowly helps preserve tenderness and retains the rich garlic butter flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use wine, low-sodium chicken broth or a light vegetable broth works perfectly to add moisture and depth without overpowering the garlic butter sauce.
Is it necessary to use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme?
While fresh herbs definitely enhance the flavor with their bright, fragrant notes, they are optional. You can skip them or substitute with dried herbs if needed—just use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?
Only a small amount of cayenne is used—just enough to add a gentle warmth that complements the garlic butter but doesn’t make the dish overly spicy. You can always adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, it scales up beautifully. Just make sure to cook the shrimp in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to avoid overcrowding and steaming rather than sautéing.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe has all the makings of an instant classic—quick to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re whipping it up for a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to bring a smile to your table and keep everyone asking for seconds. Go ahead and give it a try today; I promise your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe delivers a quick and flavorful seafood dish ideal for busy weeknights or a simple dinner. Succulent shrimp sautéed with aromatic garlic, shallots, and a splash of white wine, finished with fresh lemon zest, herbs, and a rich buttery sauce. Serve it over rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread for a satisfying meal full of bright and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small shallot, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl. Season evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to add a subtle spicy kick.
- Sauté Shallot and Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the minced shallot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque indicating they are just cooked through.
- Add Wine and Garlic: Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth alternative) along with the minced garlic. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the wine reduces by half and shrimp are fully cooked, which should take around 2-3 minutes. This step enhances the flavor complexity of the sauce.
- Finish with Butter and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to create a rich, silky sauce. Sprinkle the fresh lemon zest over the shrimp, then squeeze the juice from half of the lemon into the pan. Add the optional fresh rosemary or thyme and the chopped parsley, tossing gently to combine all the flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the garlic butter shrimp and serve right away with lemon wedges on the side. Accompany with your choice of cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth instead of white wine.
- If cayenne pepper is too spicy, reduce the amount or omit entirely.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme are optional but add a lovely aromatic note.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
- Any firm bread or starch side works well to complement the buttery garlic sauce.
