Description
A simple and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe that cooks quickly on the stovetop. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of crushed red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, finished with a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and help achieve a good sear.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is fully melted, creating a flavorful cooking base.
- Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes: Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant to release aromatic flavors without burning the garlic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they’re fully cooked.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp evenly and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. Ideal paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine along with the garlic when sautéing.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a milder dish.
- Ensure shrimp are dry before cooking to achieve a better sear and prevent steaming.
