Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Rich, buttery garlic flavor
- Simple ingredients you likely already have
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Versatile enough for pasta, rice, or vegetables
- Restaurant-quality results at home
- High in protein and naturally low in carbohydrates
- Easy to customize with herbs and spices
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Cook for an additional minute until everything is heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Butter Garlic Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Parmesan Shrimp: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish.
- Herb Butter Shrimp: Add fresh thyme, basil, or oregano.
- Cajun Shrimp: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of honey for a sweet-savory twist.
- Garlic Lemon Shrimp: Increase the lemon juice and add fresh lemon zest.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery. You may also microwave in short intervals at reduced power.
FAQs
What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal because they remain juicy and tender during cooking.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe.
What can I serve with butter garlic shrimp?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread all pair wonderfully with this dish.
Why are my shrimp rubbery?
Overcooking is the most common cause. Shrimp cook very quickly and should be removed from heat as soon as they are opaque.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or use additional olive oil.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Spinach, asparagus, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are excellent additions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before adding freshly cooked shrimp.
Conclusion
Butter Garlic Shrimp is a simple yet elegant seafood recipe that delivers incredible flavor in just minutes. With succulent shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and brightened with fresh lemon and parsley, this dish is perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to special occasions. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.
PrintButter Garlic Shrimp
Butter Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of lemon. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or serving over pasta and rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Cook for 1 additional minute until heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Large or jumbo shrimp work best and stay juicy during cooking.
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
- Spinach, asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 255 mg
