Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe in 20 Minutes

Garlic butter shrimp is like a warm hug from the ocean, wrapping you in its buttery embrace while whispering sweet nothings of garlic in your ear. Picture succulent shrimp, glistening and perfectly cooked, bathed in a rich, golden garlic butter sauce that dances across your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a bite before dinner even begins.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience—a delightful journey through flavors that makes any dinner feel like an occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends for a cozy evening or treating yourself to a solo feast after a long day, garlic butter shrimp promises to elevate your dining experience with every single bite.

I still remember the first time I made garlic butter shrimp; my friends were convinced I had secretly enrolled in culinary school while they weren’t looking!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; make sure they’re deveined for ease of cooking.

• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness and enhance the creamy texture.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best; their flavor adds depth and warmth to the dish.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for adding a delightful kick to your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients—cleaned shrimp, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and squeezed lemon juice. This will streamline your cooking process.

Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to burn it.

Add Shrimp to the Skillet: Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until they turn pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side—flipping them gently with tongs.

Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Once cooked through, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Stir in chopped parsley for freshness and color—this step makes the dish pop!

Serve Immediately: Plate your garlic butter shrimp over pasta or rice. Drizzle extra melted butter from the pan over everything for added richness.

Enjoy this delightful dish with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce or simply savor each bite as is! Your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by melting the butter and sautéing garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp. Cook until they turn pink, ensuring they’re tender and juicy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize with herbs like parsley or spices such as chili flakes for an extra kick. Lemon juice can also brighten the dish beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of that dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and I ended up sharing my secret recipe!

FAQ

What type of shrimp is best for garlic butter shrimp?

Fresh or frozen shrimp works well, but deveined and shelled are easiest to cook.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil can be a lighter alternative while still delivering great flavor.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and form a C shape; avoid overcooking them.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp is a delectable dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a golden sauce create an irresistible aroma and flavor that will elevate any dinner. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Serve it over pasta or rice, and enjoy the delightful experience of this mouthwatering seafood dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound large shrimp (deveined and shelled)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by cleaning the shrimp, mincing the garlic, chopping the parsley, and squeezing the lemon juice.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant—do not burn.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side.
4. Once cooked through, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and stir in chopped parsley for added freshness.
5. Serve immediately over pasta or rice, drizzled with extra melted butter from the pan.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: Customize your dish by adding other herbs or spices such as basil or chili flakes for extra flavor. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; reheat gently on low heat.