Few dishes match the elegance and simplicity of garlic butter shrimp. With tender shrimp bathed in a luscious buttery garlic sauce and brightened with a squeeze of lemon, this dish is not only visually stunning but a total flavor bomb. It comes together in less than 20 minutes and transforms even the busiest weeknight into a gourmet dining experience.
Perfect on its own, over pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the garlicky goodness, this garlic butter shrimp recipe is ideal for those who crave big flavor with minimal effort. The hint of chili adds subtle warmth, while the parsley and lemon balance the richness beautifully. It’s one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions:
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Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil.
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Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque.
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Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
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Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Quick & Elegant Seafood Delight
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a dish that captures the perfect harmony of bold flavor and simplicity. It’s an essential recipe for seafood lovers and busy home cooks alike. With its rich, buttery base infused with fragrant garlic and a splash of zesty lemon, this dish offers the kind of gourmet taste you’d expect from a fine-dining restaurant, but it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re whipping up a romantic dinner for two or feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, Garlic Butter Shrimp delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, the cook time is fast, and the flavor is absolutely unforgettable. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress.
Why Garlic Butter Shrimp is a Must-Try
Garlic and butter are a classic culinary combination, and when paired with tender shrimp, the result is a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Shrimp cooks quickly, making it ideal for last-minute meals, yet it absorbs the rich flavors of butter and garlic beautifully.
The charm of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its adaptability. It can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even incorporated into pasta, rice bowls, or tacos. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and can be made gluten-free, keto-friendly, or paleo with minimal adjustments.
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp is more than just a tasty seafood option, it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. A 3-ounce (85g) serving of cooked shrimp provides around:
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20 grams of high-quality protein
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85 calories
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Less than 1 gram of fat
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0 grams of carbohydrates
Shrimp is also an excellent source of:
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Vitamin B12 (supports nerve health and energy production)
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Selenium (a powerful antioxidant)
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Phosphorus (supports healthy bones)
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Iodine (essential for thyroid function)
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Choline (important for brain function)
In moderation, shrimp is a heart-healthy choice, especially when prepared without heavy frying or excessive sodium. When sautéed in heart-healthy fats like olive oil and used in reasonable portions of butter, Garlic Butter Shrimp can be a balanced and nutritious meal.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Not all shrimp are created equal, and the type you use can greatly impact your final dish. Here are a few key tips when shopping:
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Fresh vs. Frozen: While fresh shrimp is ideal, frozen shrimp can be just as good when properly thawed. In fact, most “fresh” shrimp at grocery stores are previously frozen, so frozen shrimp is a smart and convenient choice.
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Peeled and Deveined: Buying peeled and deveined shrimp saves time. If you want extra flavor, you can buy shrimp with the shell on and remove it after cooking.
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Size Matters: Look for medium-large shrimp (such as 21/25 count), which means there are about 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. They’re the perfect size for sautéing without overcooking.
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Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised: Wild-caught shrimp are often considered more sustainable and flavorful, but farm-raised shrimp are widely available and often more affordable.
Flavor Variations and Additions
The base recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp is delicious on its own, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for creative twists. Here are some easy ways to elevate the flavor:
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Add White Wine: A splash of dry white wine adds depth and complexity. Let it reduce slightly before adding lemon juice.
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Spice It Up: Include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced chili for heat.
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Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, or cilantro can be sprinkled in at the end for color and aroma.
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Citrus Options: Swap lemon for lime or orange zest for a subtle twist.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Add a touch of heavy cream or grated Parmesan for a richer sauce.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, depending on your dietary preferences and the occasion. Here are some winning combinations:
With Carbs:
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Linguine or Angel Hair Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce directly with pasta for a shrimp scampi-style dinner.
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Garlic Bread or Baguette: Perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
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Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Simple and fragrant.
Low-Carb or Keto Options:
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Cauliflower Rice: A great way to keep the dish light and grain-free.
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Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): Add texture and freshness.
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Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: A nutritious and colorful pairing.
With Salads:
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Caesar Salad: Crisp and savory with creamy dressing.
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Avocado and Tomato Salad: Adds a cooling, creamy element to balance the richness.
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Arugula with Lemon Vinaigrette: Peppery greens highlight the citrus notes in the shrimp.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
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Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They only need 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and lose their tenderness.
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Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a world of difference in flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic.
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High Heat = Quick Sear: Cook over medium-high heat for a nice sear and to lock in the juiciness.
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Deglaze with Lemon or Wine: This lifts all the delicious browned bits off the pan and into your sauce.
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Finish with Butter Off Heat: This keeps the butter from breaking and ensures a velvety sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage
While Garlic Butter Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking. You can also freeze cooked shrimp, though the texture may be slightly different upon reheating.
If you plan to meal prep, consider cooking the shrimp just until they’re almost done, then reheat briefly in sauce before serving.
Common Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cook time. Add pre-cooked shrimp at the end and just warm them through in the garlic butter sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute butter with vegan butter or use more olive oil for a dairy-free version.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your butter and any added ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I grill the shrimp instead?
You can! Toss shrimp in garlic oil, grill for 1-2 minutes per side, then drizzle with melted butter and lemon.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It’s flavorful, fast, and feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, an appetizer, or part of a larger spread, it always leaves a lasting impression.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance: savory, zesty, buttery, and light all at once. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for a dinner party, and flexible enough for all types of dietary preferences.
Once you master this simple method, you’ll find yourself coming back to it over and over again. It’s a dish that fits every occasion and pleases every palate. So, grab a skillet, some shrimp, and your favorite garlic, you’re just 15 minutes away from something truly delicious.