Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic-infused butter sauce. Perfect as a main course, appetizer, or tossed with pasta or rice, it’s a versatile and impressive recipe that’s ready in minutes but packed with gourmet flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

large shrimp (peeled and deveined)unsalted buttergarlic (minced)lemon juiceparsley (chopped)salt and pepperolive oilred pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.

Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt remaining butter.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using), then return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat.

Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add white wine to the garlic butter for extra depth.
Serve over linguine, rice, or zucchini noodles.
Top with grated Parmesan for a richer finish.
Swap lemon juice for lime and add cilantro for a tropical twist.
Include diced tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Do not overcook when reheating to avoid rubbery shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but only heat briefly to avoid overcooking—skip the initial searing step.

What kind of butter is best?
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt level.

Is this dish spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes—easily adjusted to taste.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Do I need to marinate the shrimp?
No, the quick cook in garlic butter is enough to infuse flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a simple yet elegant dish that brings bold, buttery flavor to your table in just minutes. Whether served on its own or paired with your favorite sides, it’s a reliable recipe for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want something delicious with minimal effort.