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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.