The Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe That Wows Every Time

Garlic butter shrimp dance across your plate with incredible flavor and simplicity.

Succulent seafood meets rich, velvety sauce in moments.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this quick culinary adventure that anyone can master.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore these tender morsels melting with aromatic goodness.

Delicate shrimp absorb every hint of garlic warm embrace, creating magic in mere minutes.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this classic dish.

Prepare to savor each delectable bite that promises restaurant-quality satisfaction right from your own kitchen.

Succulent Garlic Butter Shrimp Flavor Unleashed

• Combining simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon creates a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary dish bursting with zesty, rich flavors.
• Easily adaptable for appetizers, main courses, or party snacks, this recipe works wonderfully for date nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends, ensuring everyone will be satisfied.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps mean you can prepare a delicious meal in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous cooking adventures.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the primary protein for this flavorful dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a rich, intense flavor to the shrimp.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient that creates a luxurious sauce and adds richness to the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking oil used to sauté the garlic and shrimp.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the richness.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a pop of color and a light, herbal note to the final dish.

How to Cook Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Seafood

Select plump, fresh shrimp and gently pat them dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle a light dusting of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper across the shrimp to enhance their natural flavors.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Garlic

Warm a skillet over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to create a shimmering surface.

Toss in minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, letting them dance and release their fragrant oils for about 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Sizzle Shrimp to Perfection

Carefully slide the seasoned shrimp into the skillet, arranging them in a single layer.

Allow each side to cook for 2-3 minutes, watching for the telltale sign of doneness – a beautiful pink color and opaque texture that signals they’re ready to delight your taste buds.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Butter Sauce

Add rich, creamy butter to the skillet, swirling and stirring until it melts into a silky smooth consistency.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle chopped parsley, creating a vibrant, tangy sauce that will make your mouth water.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the glistening shrimp to a serving plate.

Generously spoon the golden garlic butter sauce over the top, ensuring each morsel is coated in flavor.

Enjoy immediately while the shrimp are hot and the sauce is still luxuriously warm.

Pro Tips for Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy, golden edges when sautéing.
• Sauté garlic gently to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the delicate flavor.
• Shrimp cook rapidly, so watch closely and remove from heat the moment they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
• Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the garlic butter sauce's complexity.
• Replace regular butter with clarified butter or use olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version that maintains rich taste.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Warm shrimp gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
• Quickly revive shrimp by reheating in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, preserving the original tender texture.
• Skip freezing, as shrimp can become tough and lose their delicate flavor when frozen and reheated. Fresh is always best for this delicate seafood dish.

Ideal Pairings for Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the rich garlic butter sauce.
• Bread Companion: Serve crusty French baguette or sourdough bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, creating a perfect flavor-absorbing side that enhances every bite.
• Fresh Salad Match: Prepare a light citrus arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the shrimp, adding a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Herbal Drink Option: Brew a fresh mint iced tea or sparkling water with a lemon twist to provide a cooling, zesty accompaniment that refreshes the palate and echoes the recipe's bright lemon notes.

Creative Variations on Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Low-Carb Friendly: Replace olive oil with avocado oil and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil-based margarine to accommodate dairy sensitivities while maintaining rich flavor.
• Spicy Kick Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper for those who enjoy extra heat, creating a more intense flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Remix: Swap parsley for fresh dill or cilantro, introducing a different herbal note that complements the shrimp's natural sweetness.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely, pat dry, and ensure they’re free of excess moisture before cooking to get the best sear.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp turn from translucent gray to pink and curl into a C-shape when they’re done. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

• What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel provides the best heat distribution and helps create a nice golden sear on the shrimp.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp sizzle with Mediterranean charm, bringing coastal flavors straight to your kitchen. Crisp, golden prawns dance in rich, herbed butter, promising a delightful seafood experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Fats and Oils:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry the shrimp with paper towels, then lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Allow aromatics to sizzle and release their fragrant essence for approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Gently introduce shrimp to the infused oil, arranging them in a single layer. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, watching for a delicate pink transformation and translucent texture.
4. Reduce heat and incorporate cold butter, swirling the pan to create a luxurious, glossy emulsion. Allow butter to melt completely and coat the shrimp elegantly.
5. Splash fresh lemon juice into the skillet, creating a bright, tangy dimension. Sprinkle chopped parsley to add vibrant color and herbaceous complexity.
6. Remove skillet from heat immediately, ensuring shrimp remain tender and succulent. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzling the golden garlic-butter sauce generously over the perfectly cooked seafood.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are deveined and cleaned properly.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, using less for a milder dish or more for extra heat and kick.
• Use unsalted butter to control sodium content and allow for precise seasoning throughout the cooking process.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 220mg