If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious, let me introduce you to Garlic Butter Shrimp! Imagine plump, juicy shrimp sizzling in pools of rich, garlicky butter, finished with a squirt of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of vibrant parsley. This dish is my personal go-to for a quick weeknight treat, a last-minute dinner party, or those moments when I just crave something that tastes like a special occasion — but takes barely any time. Every bite delivers savory, crave-worthy flavor and the best part is you can have it on the table in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Garlic Butter Shrimp is blissfully short, but don’t let that fool you: each component plays a crucial role in creating flavor, tenderness, and that irresistible golden gloss. Here’s why you shouldn’t swap or skip a thing:
- Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, large shrimp stay extra juicy and are perfect for soaking up all that fabulous garlic butter.
- Unsalted Butter: The heart of the sauce — it forms a silky base and allows you to perfectly control the saltiness of the dish.
- Fresh Garlic: Four cloves, minced, provide a bold punch of garlicky goodness that perfumes the whole kitchen.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds a subtle heat, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder dish.
- Lemon Juice: Adds zippy brightness, balancing out all the rich, savory flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of green freshness and a burst of herby flavor to finish everything off beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp just right — don’t underestimate their importance!
- Lemon Wedges: For serving; a squeeze over top wakes up every bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels — this is key! Removing surface moisture helps them sear nicely in the skillet rather than steaming. Give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper so that every bite is perfectly seasoned. The prep takes just a minute, but it makes a world of difference in taste and texture.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic
Warm your skillet over medium heat, then add the butter. As soon as it’s melted and a little foamy, toss in the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using). Stir constantly and let the garlic cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Watch closely — garlic can burn quickly, and you want its flavor sweet and mellow, not bitter. This transforms your kitchen into garlic heaven.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer across the skillet so they can all cook evenly. Let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for them to curl into a “C” shape and turn from translucent grey to bright pink and opaque. Nothing beats watching that transformation — it’s the sure sign you’re just moments from dinner.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Parsley
Once the shrimp are cooked through, pour in the lemon juice and scatter the chopped parsley over the top. Stir quickly to coat every shrimp in that luscious, lemony butter and make sure each piece is speckled with green. This step adds both flavor and eye-catching color to your Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving plate. Serve right away while everything is hot and the butter is still gloriously melty. Don’t forget the lemon wedges — that extra squeeze takes every forkful over the top!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley is always welcome, but you could also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra texture or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a dash of heat. Don’t skip the lemon wedges: a last-minute squeeze right at the table delivers a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery garlic sauce.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a superstar over a bed of fluffy rice or twirled into al dente pasta, where the garlicky sauce soaks right up. For something lighter, pair it with a crisp green salad, sautéed spinach, or steamed asparagus. And if you’re like me, there’s nothing better than scooping up every last bit of sauce with warm, crusty bread!
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special nights in, try serving Garlic Butter Shrimp in mini cast iron skillets or nestled in lettuce cups for fun finger food. You can also pile them onto skewers for a playful appetizer or spoon them over creamy polenta for a comforting spin. The golden sauce makes every presentation look like a restaurant treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply place the cooled shrimp and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even more delicious!
Freezing
While freshly cooked Garlic Butter Shrimp has the best texture, you can freeze any extras. Spread the cooked (and cooled) shrimp on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to one month, and be sure to include some of the butter sauce so nothing goes to waste.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp gently over low heat in a skillet, just until warmed through. Add a splash of water or a tiny bit more butter if the sauce looks dry. Microwaving works in a pinch, but do so in short bursts so the shrimp don’t overcook or turn rubbery.
FAQs
What size shrimp works best for Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and are easy to cook to perfection, but you can use whatever size you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly for smaller shrimp.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for your favorite dairy-free or plant-based butter. The final flavor will change a bit, but you’ll still get that wonderfully silky sauce over your shrimp.
Is Garlic Butter Shrimp spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The recipe calls for optional red pepper flakes, so you can leave them out or adjust to your spice preference. This dish is totally customizable for mild or bold palates.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, and I recommend it if you love dipping bread or spooning sauce over rice or pasta. Just double the butter and garlic, and maybe throw in a little extra lemon for good measure.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
You’ll know they’re done as soon as they turn bright pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp turn a tight “O” and can become rubbery, so watch them closely and remove from the heat as soon as they’re done.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, Garlic Butter Shrimp is the dish to try next. It’s weeknight fast, dinner-party elegant, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table reach for seconds. Give it a whirl tonight — I promise, you’ll wonder how something so easy can taste this extraordinary!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick stovetop dish perfect for a delicious dinner. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and parsley, served with lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Finish Dish: Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Toss to coat shrimp. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- You can double the butter and garlic for extra sauce.
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