Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish that feels indulgent while taking just minutes to prepare. Juicy shrimp are cooked until perfectly tender, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of brightness that keeps the flavors balanced and irresistible.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or whenever you want something impressive without spending much time in the kitchen. Serve it on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together to create bold, restaurant-style flavor.

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
5. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
6. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips, Variations & Storage

• Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery very quickly.
• Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but pre-minced can be used in a pinch.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just be sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

How do I know when shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and curl slightly into a loose “C” shape.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated gently for a quick meal.

What size shrimp works best?
Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal, as they stay juicy and are less likely to overcook.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Succulent shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter with a splash of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley — ready in about 10 minutes for an easy dinner or appetizer!

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Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Servings:4 servings

Calories:215

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed if desired
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 to 3 teaspoons minced garlic adjust if you love garlic
• 1 lemon juice of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Method

 

1. Place the butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat and melt.
2. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
5. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, toss to coat, then serve immediately.

Notes

This easy garlic butter shrimp is perfect served on its own, over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days and gently reheated. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}