Oh my gosh, garlic butter shrimp is my absolute go-to when I need something quick, delicious, and just a little bit fancy. You know those nights when you’re exhausted but still want a meal that feels special? That’s when I pull out this recipe. In just 15 minutes, you’ve got succulent shrimp swimming in the most heavenly garlic butter sauce – it’s ridiculous how something so simple can taste so good. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s never let me down. Whether I’m cooking for date night or just treating myself after a long day, this garlic butter shrimp always hits the spot. The best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Trust me, once you try this garlic butter shrimp, it’ll become your new weeknight hero. Here’s why:
- It’s ridiculously fast – ready in under 15 minutes!
- Only 7 simple ingredients you likely already have
- The garlic butter sauce is outrageously good (you’ll want to drink it)
- Shrimp cook in just minutes – perfect when you’re starving
- Fancy enough for company but easy enough for lazy nights
Seriously, this dish gives you restaurant-quality flavor with zero fuss. The buttery, garlicky aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table. I make this at least twice a month – it’s that good!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Here’s everything you’ll need for the most addictive garlic butter shrimp of your life. I’m super picky about these ingredients – trust me, the quality makes all the difference!
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off – your choice!)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (real butter only – no substitutes!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is mandatory – no jarred stuff)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed please – it brightens everything)
- 1/4 tsp salt (I use kosher, but any works)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (the green flecks make it pretty)
That’s it! See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that make magic together.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is easier than you think – just follow these simple steps for perfect garlic butter shrimp every time. The secret is in the timing (and not walking away from the stove – trust me on that!).
Preparing the Shrimp
First things first – pat those shrimp bone dry with paper towels. I know it seems fussy, but wet shrimp won’t get that beautiful sear. Take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before cooking so they’re not ice-cold when they hit the pan. Give them a quick sprinkle with salt and pepper – nothing fancy, just enough to wake up their flavor.
Cooking the Garlic Butter Sauce
Heat your skillet over medium heat – not too hot! Add the butter and let it melt slowly until it’s foamy. Now toss in the garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like heaven and the garlic is fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic = sad shrimp).
Cooking the Shrimp
Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer – don’t crowd the pan! Cook for 2 minutes until the bottoms turn pink, then flip each one. Give them just 1-2 more minutes until they’re opaque with a slight “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery – and we’re not about that life!
Finishing Touches
Remove from heat immediately and stir in the lemon juice and parsley. The lemon brightens everything up while the parsley adds that perfect fresh pop. Serve right away while the sauce is gloriously buttery and the shrimp are perfectly tender. Pro tip: Have some crusty bread ready to soak up that amazing garlic butter sauce!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp
Here are my hard-earned secrets for garlic butter shrimp perfection (learned from many delicious mistakes!):
- Fresh garlic is non-negotiable – jarred just doesn’t give that punchy, aromatic flavor we crave
- Keep your heat at medium – too hot burns garlic, too low makes shrimp rubbery
- The shrimp are done when they form a loose “C” – tight “O” shapes mean you’ve overcooked them
- Taste the sauce right before serving – sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lemon if it needs brightness
- Don’t walk away! Shrimp cook fast and garlic burns even faster
Follow these tips and you’ll have restaurant-worthy garlic butter shrimp every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Oh, the possibilities! My favorite way to serve garlic butter shrimp is with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that glorious sauce. For heartier meals, pile it over fluffy rice or pasta. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll pair it with a crisp green salad – the freshness balances the rich butter perfectly. Don’t forget an extra lemon wedge on the side for that perfect bright finish!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and eaten your weight in garlic butter shrimp like I have), try these fun twists to keep things exciting:
- Spicy kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes with the garlic – just enough to make your lips tingle!
- Herb swap: Trade parsley for cilantro or basil depending on your mood (I’m obsessed with basil in summer)
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an indulgent, silky sauce
- Citrus twist: Add orange zest along with the lemon for extra brightness
- Garlic overload: Because why not? Double the garlic when you’re feeling extra garlicky
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own – play around and find your perfect version!
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp
Leftovers? (As if!) But if you must, store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, go low and slow – microwave at 50% power or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent rubbery shrimp. Honestly though? It’s always best fresh – those shrimp deserve to be eaten right away!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (because knowledge is power, right?): Each serving packs about 220 calories, with 20g of protein from those juicy shrimp and 15g of fat from that glorious butter. You’ll get minimal carbs – just 2g per serving. Now, let’s be real – these numbers might wiggle a bit depending on your exact ingredients (like if you go wild with extra butter – no judgment here!). But overall, it’s a pretty balanced meal that tastes way more indulgent than it actually is.
Common Questions About Garlic Butter Shrimp
I get asked about garlic butter shrimp ALL the time – here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs!):
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water for about 15 minutes. Pat them extra dry though – frozen shrimp tend to hold more moisture. I actually keep a bag in my freezer for last-minute shrimp cravings!
How do I prevent garlic from burning?
The trick is medium heat and constant stirring. Garlic goes from golden to bitter in seconds! If your stove runs hot, take the pan off the burner for a moment when adding garlic. And please – don’t walk away to check your phone!
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can, but… (deep breath) the butter is kinda the star here. That said, a good quality olive oil works in a pinch – just add a tiny bit more salt to compensate for the missing butter flavor. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious!
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Look for that perfect pink color and “C” shape – they should be opaque with just a hint of translucency in the center when you peek inside. If they curl into tight little “O”s, they’re overdone. And remember – they keep cooking a bit after you take them off heat!
Can I double this recipe?
Of course! Just use a bigger pan or cook in batches – crowded shrimp steam instead of sear. And you might need to adjust the garlic butter ratio slightly (I usually add an extra tbsp of butter per extra pound of shrimp). More shrimp means more happiness!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my foolproof garlic butter shrimp recipe that never fails to impress! Give it a try tonight (you know you want to) and let me know how it turns out. I swear that first bite of buttery, garlicky shrimp will have you hooked – just like it did for me years ago. Happy cooking!
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15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe – Divine & Easy!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
