Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Succulent shrimp dance with aromatic garlic butter in this mouthwatering recipe that promises a restaurant-quality meal at home.

The delicate seafood swirls with rich, golden garlic butter, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Each tender shrimp absorbs the luxurious butter, infusing every bite with deep, savory notes.

Cooking this dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

The ingredients are simple yet powerful, transforming an ordinary weeknight dinner into something spectacular.

With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this elegant seafood delight in less than 15 minutes.

Prepare to be amazed by the incredible taste that awaits you.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know if the shrimp are cooked correctly?

Look for these signs: the shrimp turn opaque, curl slightly, and change from grayish to pink or orange. They typically take 4-5 minutes total to cook through.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley?

No problem! You can substitute with dried parsley or skip it altogether. Alternatively, use fresh chives or cilantro for a similar fresh herb touch.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. For no heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes completely.

Why Garlic Shrimp Deserves a Spot on Repeat

• Dive into a restaurant-quality dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Impress dinner guests or family with a professional-looking meal that requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap parsley for other herbs, or pair with rice, pasta, or salad to create a personalized dining experience that suits any taste preference.
• Transform ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering meal that's packed with bold garlic butter flavors, making healthy eating deliciously exciting and far from boring.

Simple Ingredients for Big Flavor

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this quick and flavorful dish.

• Garlic, Parsley: Aromatics that add depth and fresh herbal notes to the shrimp.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Citrus elements that brighten and add tanginess to the dish.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for cooking and creates a luxurious sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that balance and add subtle heat to the shrimp.

Step-by-Step Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Clean the shrimp by peeling and removing the veins.

You can keep the tails on for an elegant look or take them off for easier eating.

Use a paper towel to thoroughly dry the shrimp, which helps create a beautiful golden sear when cooking.

• Shrimp
• Paper towel

Step 2: Sear Shrimp to Perfection

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the shrimp in a single layer, allowing them to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Watch for the shrimp to turn opaque and their tails to curl slightly.

Be cautious not to overcook, as this can make them tough and rubbery.

• Butter
• Shrimp

Step 3: Create Garlic Infusion

Move the cooked shrimp to the edges of the skillet.

Add additional butter to the center of the pan.

Drop in minced garlic and quickly sauté for about 30 seconds until it releases its aromatic fragrance.

Stay alert to prevent the garlic from burning, which can create a bitter taste.

• Butter
• Garlic

Step 4: Finish with Zesty Seasonings

Remove the skillet from heat.

Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Gently toss the shrimp to coat them completely in the rich, flavorful sauce.

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a vibrant touch of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and delicious.

Tips to Avoid Overcooking Shrimp

• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp with a firm texture and mild ocean smell for the best flavor and taste.
• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden sear and preventing steaming instead of browning.
• Maintain medium heat to prevent burning garlic and overcooking shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Add fresh parsley at the end for a bright, herbal note that enhances the garlic butter's richness and provides visual appeal.
• Enjoy shrimp right after cooking to preserve their tender texture and maximize the buttery, garlicky sauce's impact.

Store and Reheat Shrimp Without Losing Tenderness

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Carefully transfer cooled shrimp to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Warm shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through, avoiding overcooking which can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
• If using microwave, place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 15-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking. Stir between intervals for even warming.

Sides That Match Garlic Shrimp Beautifully

• Perfectly Paired Wine Complement: Choose a crisp, citrusy white wine like sauvignon blanc to match the bright lemon and garlic notes, cutting through the rich butter and complementing the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Herb-Infused Side Suggestion: Serve alongside herbed couscous or quinoa, which will absorb the garlic butter sauce and provide a light, complementary grain base that enhances the seafood's taste.
• Zesty Salad Pairing: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan, offering a peppery, tangy contrast that balances the shrimp's richness and adds a fresh element to the meal.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Select a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat ale, which provides a crisp, clean finish that cuts through the buttery sauce and refreshes the palate between bites.

Garlic Shrimp Flavor Additions to Try

• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Replace shrimp with scallops or white fish for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the same buttery garlic flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, ensuring those with lactose sensitivities can enjoy the same zesty seafood experience.
• Spicy Herb Infusion: Add chopped jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes for a more intense heat level, complementing the garlic's robust taste.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to transform the dish with a Greek-inspired coastal twist.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp dance with Mediterranean flavors, promising a quick culinary escape to coastal bliss. Zesty herbs and golden butter elevate each tender morsel, inviting you to savor a restaurant-quality dish crafted in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or adjust to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Fats and Flavor Enhancers:

• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) butter, divided
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Optional garnish: finely chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by carefully removing the shells and veins, optionally keeping the tails intact for visual appeal. Thoroughly dry the shrimp using paper towels to ensure optimal searing and golden exterior.
2. Warm a skillet over medium heat, melting half the butter until it begins to bubble. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and the edges curl. Remove shrimp promptly to prevent overcooking.
3. Create a flavor base by adding remaining butter to the center of the skillet. Introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté for approximately 30 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning.
4. Remove skillet from heat and introduce lemon juice, zest, seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Gently toss shrimp to coat evenly with the aromatic garlic butter sauce.
5. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and succulent, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught if possible.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preferences.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg