Garlic 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.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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)
- 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