Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and deveined)
- 5 Tbsp. butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
- ¼-½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Remove tails if you prefer. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes, or until they are opaque and their tails curl.
- Step 3: Create a well in the center of the shrimp and add the remaining butter. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until browned and fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can also work well if properly thawed and patted dry.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth when adding the garlic for a slightly saucier dish.
- For a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make shrimp rubbery.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine as long as it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture during sautéing.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?
Shrimp is done when it turns opaque and the tails start to curl. Cooking usually takes around 4-5 minutes total depending on size; avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe offers a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in rich butter infused with garlic, lemon, and spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, the shrimp are cooked to tender perfection on the stovetop and finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb. shrimp (16–20 count, peeled and deveined)
Butter and Seasonings
- 5 Tbsp. butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
- ¼–½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- Parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, removing tails based on preference. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture ensuring better sear and flavor absorption.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Once melted, place shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes until shrimp turn opaque and tails curl, indicating they are nearly fully cooked.
- Add the Butter and Garlic: Create a well in the center of the shrimp in the skillet and add the remaining butter. When melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned, imparting rich flavor.
- Season and Serve: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss to combine and serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease; tails can remain for presentation or be removed based on preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat tolerance or omit for mild flavor.
- Ensure shrimp are patted dry to achieve a better sear and avoid steaming.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they can become rubbery; remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque and curl.
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, sautéed shrimp, easy dinner, seafood dinner
