Garlic butter shrimp is one of the easiest and most flavorful seafood dishes you can prepare at home. This simple recipe combines tender shrimp with rich butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs to create a meal that tastes elegant but takes very little time to cook. Whether you are preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, garlic butter shrimp is a reliable and delicious choice that pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Shrimp cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy schedules. With just a few fresh ingredients and one pan, you can create a dish that feels restaurant-quality. The combination of butter and garlic forms a savory sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering it.
Ingredients
- 500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp cook evenly and develop better flavor in the pan.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil along with two tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts and begins to foam slightly, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook the shrimp for about two minutes on one side. You will notice them turning pink and slightly opaque.
Flip the shrimp and cook for another one to two minutes until fully cooked. Shrimp should be tender and opaque but not rubbery. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough, so watch them carefully.
Add the remaining butter and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir gently so the butter melts into the sauce and coats the shrimp evenly. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and remove the pan from heat.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter shrimp is extremely versatile. You can serve it over pasta such as linguine or spaghetti to create a simple seafood pasta. It also works beautifully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or quinoa. Many people enjoy garlic butter shrimp with toasted bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
For a lighter option, serve the shrimp with roasted vegetables, salad, or zucchini noodles. The rich butter sauce pairs nicely with fresh and crisp side dishes.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
Choosing high-quality shrimp makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works very well if properly thawed in the refrigerator before cooking.
Large or jumbo shrimp are best for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender during cooking. Smaller shrimp cook faster and can become overdone more easily.
Fresh garlic is strongly recommended instead of garlic powder. It provides a deeper aroma and more authentic flavor. Similarly, fresh lemon juice gives the sauce brightness that bottled juice cannot fully replicate.
Cooking shrimp over medium heat ensures even cooking without burning the butter or garlic. If the pan becomes too hot, reduce the heat slightly.
Storage and Reheating
Garlic butter shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.
While leftovers can be enjoyed, garlic butter shrimp is best eaten immediately after cooking when the sauce is fresh and the shrimp are perfectly tender.
Why This Recipe Works
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is popular because it balances simplicity and flavor. Butter creates richness, garlic adds depth, lemon provides freshness, and parsley brings color and lightness. The ingredients complement the shrimp rather than masking their natural taste.
Another reason this recipe works so well is speed. From preparation to serving, the entire dish can be ready in about fifteen minutes. This makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks looking for a dependable seafood recipe.
Garlic butter shrimp is a timeless dish that never goes out of style. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it is a recipe you will want to make again and again.
