If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes—bursting with juicy shrimp, rich buttery goodness, and the perfect punch of garlic—this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s quick, simple, and feels so indulgent without any fuss. The golden, garlicky sauce clings lovingly to each tender shrimp, creating a delightful combination that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe brings fantastic flavor and a touch of elegance to your table in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe lies not only in its flavor but in how few, yet essential, ingredients are involved. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and brightness that make this dish sing. Let’s break down why these simple ingredients matter.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and quick cooking time.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Butter is the heart of the sauce, offering richness and a silky finish.
- 4 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic gives that unmistakable aromatic kick and depth to the dish.
- Salt & pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the dish and balances the butter’s richness perfectly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic
Start by melting the butter gently in a large skillet over medium heat. As it begins to bubble, add your minced garlic cloves. Let the garlic cook just until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes. This step unlocks that rich, aromatic base that carries the entire dish.
Step 2: Add the Shrimp and Season
Next, add the peeled shrimp straight into the garlicky butter bath. Immediately season with salt and pepper to your taste. Coating the shrimp with these simple flavors early on is key, as it lets the seasoning infuse while cooking, making every bite perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Until Perfect
Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn a lovely pink and curl slightly. This quick cooking preserves their juicy tenderness and ensures they don’t become rubbery. Once cooked, finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice to elevate the whole dish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring extra color and a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the buttery shrimp. A light dusting of lemon zest can also add a fragrant lift without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or pasta to soak up all the buttery, garlicky juices. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the shrimp in individual mini cast iron skillets or on skewers for a fun, shareable appetizer. You can also spoon the shrimp atop creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a rustic, comforting meal. Presentation really shines when you let the sauce shine as much as the shrimp.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick reheat or to toss into a salad the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, for best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe fresh. If needed, freeze the cooked shrimp separately from the sauce to avoid sogginess, and use within 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a touch of butter if the sauce appears dry. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Slow and gentle reheating keeps them tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to prevent excess water from watering down the sauce. Fresh or frozen both work well here.
What type of butter is best?
Unsalted butter is ideal because it gives you control over the salt level in the dish. However, if you only have salted butter, just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the shrimp. It gives a lovely kick without overpowering the buttery sauce.
Can I substitute olive oil for butter?
You can, but butter provides a richer flavor and creamier texture that’s essential to this recipe. Using olive oil will change the dish’s character, making it lighter but less indulgent.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Garlic Butter Shrimp is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option if you’re avoiding gluten. Just be sure any sides you choose are gluten-free too.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe truly feels like a special treat that’s surprisingly effortless. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy shrimp at its best, infused with rich flavors and brightened by fresh lemon. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll likely find yourself coming back to this simple yet ridiculously tasty dish over and over again!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and delicious seafood dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Ideal for a speedy weeknight dinner, this recipe yields a flavorful and satisfying meal for four.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add and Season Shrimp: Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Cook Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss gently to combine all the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Peeled and deveined shrimp cook more quickly and evenly.
- Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
- Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for desired brightness.
