Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal. Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in under 15 minutes.
• Made with simple ingredients but packed with flavor.
• Versatile—serve it over pasta, rice, or as an appetizer.
• Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Naturally low-carb and gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
3. Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
5. Add lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 12 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle with Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add lemon zest for a brighter taste.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them first and pat dry before cooking.

What size shrimp is best for this recipe?

Large or jumbo shrimp work best for a juicy, flavorful dish.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter with extra olive oil or dairy-free butter.

How do I prevent shrimp from getting rubbery?

Avoid overcooking—shrimp only need a few minutes per side.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus pair well with the garlic butter sauce.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead for faster cooking.

What kind of butter should I use?

Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but only warm them briefly in the sauce to avoid overcooking.

What can I use instead of parsley?

Fresh cilantro or basil can be great substitutes.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. With a rich, buttery garlic sauce and a hint of lemon, it’s delicious on its own or served over pasta or rice. Try this easy recipe for a meal that’s both elegant and effortless!

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Pescatarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, appetizer, or topping for pasta or rice!

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add shrimp, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve hot.

---

Notes

• Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
• Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.