Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe delivers big flavor in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is simple, fast, and incredibly delicious. The combination of buttery richness and fragrant garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread and can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or even tossed into salads. Plus, it’s made in just one pan with minimal cleanup required.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
large shrimp (peeled and deveined) unsalted butter garlic (minced) lemon juice fresh parsley (chopped) salt black pepper red pepper flakes (optional) olive oil
Directions
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using.
Toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce and cook for an additional minute.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 7 minutes Total time: 17 minutes
Variations
Add white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Stir in cooked pasta for a quick garlic butter shrimp pasta dish.
Use cilantro instead of parsley for a different herb profile.
Add diced tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter to keep the shrimp tender. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery when overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What size shrimp works best?
Large or extra-large shrimp work best as they stay juicy and are easy to cook evenly.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, usually within 2–3 minutes per side.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time significantly and just warm them through in the garlic butter.
What sides go well with garlic butter shrimp?
Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are all great options to soak up the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well sautéed with the shrimp.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You can control the heat level to your preference.
Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Yes, you can grill the shrimp and then toss them in the garlic butter sauce afterward.
How long does it take to cook shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly—typically 1–2 minutes per side depending on their size.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fast, flavorful, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. With its rich, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1.5 tbsp of the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly in the sauce and cook for an additional minute.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp and dry them thoroughly before cooking.Add white wine with the lemon juice for more depth of flavor.Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.Substitute cilantro for parsley for a different flavor profile.To make it dairy-free, use vegan butter or extra olive oil instead.
