If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich, savory flavors and takes mere minutes to whip up, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is your new go-to. The combination of succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest, makes for an irresistible meal that feels both elegant and cozy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe hits just the right notes of buttery richness, zesty freshness, and a little hint of spice, all coming together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet crucial to achieving the full flavor and texture that make this dish so special. Each element brings its own magic—juicy shrimp provide the delightful protein base, butter offers that silky, rich mouthfeel, garlic packs in a punch of aroma, and the lemon components add that necessary burst of brightness.
- 1 lb. shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 5 Tbsp. butter (divided): Use high-quality unsalted butter to create that creamy garlic sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced): Garlic is the soul of this recipe—mince finely to infuse every bite.
- 2 tsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
- 1 tsp. lemon zest: Zest adds an extra punch of citrus aroma without acidity.
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste): Adds subtle heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
- ¼-½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat, this gives the dish a lovely kick.
- Parsley (finely chopped, optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note as a garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
First things first—make sure your shrimp are perfectly prepped. Whether you’re starting with raw shrimp or prepped ones, peel and devein them if needed, and decide if you want to keep the tails on for presentation or remove them for convenience. Patting the shrimp dry is key here because it ensures they’ll sauté nicely instead of steaming, giving you a better texture overall.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s melted and bubbling, add your shrimp in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan so each shrimp cooks evenly. Let them sizzle for about 2-3 minutes before flipping, then cook for another 2 minutes. You’ll know they’re nearly done when they turn opaque and their tails curl. This step builds the foundation of flavor and texture that you’ll want to get right.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Garlic
Now, create a little well in the center of the skillet and drop in the remaining butter. As it melts, toss in the finely minced garlic. Sauté it just until golden and fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid any bitterness. This garlic-infused butter will coat your shrimp in the best way imaginable, making every bite silky and aromatic.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of spice. Give it all a gentle toss so the shrimp soak up the seasoning and buttery sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely visual contrast and a burst of herbal freshness—then it’s ready to serve immediately.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish stands out beautifully on its own, finishing touches like freshly chopped parsley elevate its appearance and introduce a fresh note of flavor. You might also consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze on top. These simple garnishes make every bite feel just that little bit more special.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Shrimp shines when paired with complementary sides such as fluffy jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or garlic butter pasta to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies can also balance the richness, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to impress at your next gathering, serve this shrimp atop toasted baguette slices for a fancy appetizer, or pile it high on a bed of silky polenta for a comforting, upscale dinner. It also works wonderfully wrapped in warm tortillas with a snorkel of fresh salsa to create shrimp tacos with a garlicky twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to cool the shrimp completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing garlic butter shrimp is possible, though not ideal as shrimp can become rubbery after thawing. If you must freeze, place the shrimp with a little sauce in a freezer-safe container and use within one month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. You can add a splash of water or a small knob of butter to refresh the sauce and keep the shrimp tender. Microwave reheating is possible but risks drying out the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper searing.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a vegan butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper will amp up the heat. You can also serve it with a side of spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp work well because they cook quickly but hold their texture. Whether wild-caught or farmed, fresh or frozen, just choose highest quality you can find.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps maintain that perfect sear on the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s quick, simple, and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner or go-to recipe for impressing guests effortlessly!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon zest and spice. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it is flavorful, easy to prepare, and pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb. shrimp (16–20 count, peeled and deveined)
Butter and Seasoning
- 5 Tbsp. butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
- ¼–½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Remove tails if preferred. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps in better sautéing.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Once melted, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn opaque and tails curl.
- Add the Butter and Garlic: Create a well in the center of the shrimp, add the remaining butter. When melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly browned, infusing the shrimp with rich garlic flavor.
- Season and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery quickly.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Serve with warm crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness; avoid bottled lemon juice for best flavor.
- Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness more precisely.
