If you’re searching for a dish that feels effortlessly elegant and comes together in a flash, look no further than this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe. Succulent shrimp are tossed in a dreamy blend of garlic, butter, and lemon, making every bite burst with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels just as fitting for a cozy weeknight as it does for impressing friends at a casual dinner party. You’ll fall in love with how easy it is to whip up, and honestly, you’ll probably want to keep a stash of shrimp in your freezer for whenever the craving strikes!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to maximize flavor, giving you juicy, savory shrimp with the perfect hint of zest and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you won’t want to leave anything out:

Large shrimp (1 1/2 lbs, peeled and deveined): Opting for large shrimp ensures meaty, satisfying bites and a beautiful appearance on your plate.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Butter creates that rich, silky sauce everyone will be clamoring to mop up with bread.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Just a touch helps prevent the butter from burning and adds lovely depth of flavor.
Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Garlic is the heart of this recipe—use it generously for that mouthwatering aroma and kick.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a gentle heat, a pinch gives the sauce an extra dimension.
Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter perfectly.
Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Parsley adds a touch of color and a fresh, herby pop at the finish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasoning is crucial to draw out every bit of flavor from the shrimp.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth—freshly cracked is always best if you have it.
Lemon wedges (for serving): Extra lemon at the table lets everyone customize their plate with a bright finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy here, as it can stop your shrimp from getting that beautiful, light sear. Once the shrimp are dry, toss them generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every piece gets a bit of seasoning. The simple seasoning helps the shrimp pop and allows the garlicky, buttery flavors to shine through later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter together with the olive oil. When the butter is bubbling and fragrant, add the minced garlic and (if you like a little kick) sprinkle in those red pepper flakes. Give everything a quick stir and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just long enough for the garlic to release its aroma—any longer, and you risk burning it!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer to your hot skillet. Resist the urge to overcrowd, as giving each shrimp a bit of space helps them cook evenly and turn that lovely pink and opaque shade. It only takes 2 to 3 minutes per side—shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them! Flip them once, and you’ll see those gorgeous caramelized edges forming.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the juice of one fresh lemon. The citrus starts to deglaze the pan, sweeping up all those garlicky bits into a zesty sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, swirling the pan or tossing the shrimp to coat everything luxuriously. The result is silky, golden perfection coating every shrimp.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove your skillet from the heat and immediately shower the shrimp with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley. This not only brightens the dish visually but also gives a clean, herby contrast to the richness. Serve right away with lemon wedges so everyone can squeeze over their shrimp to taste.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

A simple finishing touch can make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe feel restaurant-worthy. Sprinkle more fresh parsley on top just before serving for a pop of green. For extra flavor, consider grating a bit of lemon zest or a dusting of finely grated Parmesan. That gorgeous, golden sauce is begging to be shown off, so serve the shrimp in a shallow bowl to catch every last drop.

Side Dishes

The best side dishes are the ones that let you soak up all that incredible sauce. Warm, crusty bread is an absolute must for sopping up every drop, but fluffy white rice or al dente pasta works wonders, too. A crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette pairs perfectly, or you can serve over creamy polenta for an ultra-comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe adapts beautifully to appetizers or main courses. Pile the shrimp atop toasted baguette slices for elegant crostini, or serve them over a platter of buttery noodles for a quick pasta dinner. For a lighter presentation, spoon them over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or a tangle of lightly dressed greens—guests will swoon over the fresh and vibrant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), transfer your shrimp and sauce into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen slightly, but shrimp are best enjoyed as fresh as possible to maintain their tender bite.

Freezing

While the Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe can technically be frozen, the texture may suffer after reheating. If you do want to freeze, let the shrimp cool completely, then package them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid toughness.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat—just until warmed through. Add a splash of water, broth, or extra butter if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry to avoid excess water in your skillet. Frozen shrimp are a great freezer staple and work beautifully in this dish.

Is the red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?

Not at all! The red pepper flakes are completely optional. If you like a little zing, go for it—otherwise, feel free to leave them out for a milder, family-friendly flavor.

Can I make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the butter for a quality dairy-free alternative or more olive oil. While you’ll miss some of that classic richness, you’ll still get plenty of flavor from the garlic and lemon.

What kind of shrimp should I buy?

Look for large, raw shrimp (either fresh or frozen) that are peeled and deveined for maximum convenience. Wild-caught have great flavor, but high-quality farmed shrimp also work wonderfully in this recipe.

How can I make this recipe extra saucy?

If you want more sauce to spoon over your sides, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan after sautéing the garlic. Cook for a minute before adding the shrimp, and you’ll have an even richer sauce to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is pure magic for busy nights and special occasions alike. It’s the kind of dish that comes together in minutes yet tastes like something you’d order at your favorite seaside restaurant. Give it a try and let the irresistible mix of garlic, butter, and zesty lemon become the new star of your dinner table!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic-infused butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

lemon wedges

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Instructions

Prepare Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
Cook Garlic Butter Sauce: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer, cook until pink and opaque on both sides.
Finish Dish: Stir in lemon juice and remaining butter, toss with shrimp. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley.
Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

This shrimp is delicious served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while cooking the garlic.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired