There’s something magical about sizzling shrimp coated in rich, garlicky butter. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or family gatherings, this dish combines juicy shrimp with fragrant garlic and creamy butter to create a mouthwatering main course or appetizer.
Whether served over pasta, with crusty bread, or as part of a surf-and-turf feast, this recipe is loved for its simplicity and bold flavor. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes — making it a go-to for effortless, impressive meals.
History / Background
Shrimp has been enjoyed across coastal regions for centuries, but the buttery, garlicky preparation we know today has roots in classic European and American seafood cuisine. Inspired by the flavors of French beurre blanc and Italian aglio e olio, the modern garlic butter sauce became popular in home kitchens for its elegance and ease.
In the U.S., garlic butter shrimp gained popularity in seafood restaurants in the mid-20th century. Today, it’s a favorite dish across the country, often served with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Its versatility allows it to be dressed up for fine dining or enjoyed as a cozy comfort meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create spectacular results.
- ✅ Ready in under 20 minutes
- 🍤 Packed with flavor – buttery, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned
- 💰 Budget-friendly compared to restaurant seafood
- 🧑🍳 Beginner-friendly – no advanced skills needed
- 🍽️ Versatile – serve with pasta, rice, bread, or veggies
Whether you’re hosting friends, cooking for two, or meal prepping, this dish fits beautifully into any menu.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what makes this Garlic Butter Shrimp shine:
- Shrimp – Use large or jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen both work (just thaw frozen shrimp first).
- Butter – Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning perfectly.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic provides a strong, aromatic base.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- Olive Oil – Helps prevent the butter from burning.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – Adds a subtle kick for extra depth.
- Salt & Pepper – Season to taste.
- Fresh Parsley – For garnish and a pop of color.
Substitutions
- Use ghee or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Add white wine instead of lemon juice for a richer flavor.
- Substitute parsley with cilantro for a different herbal note.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Lemon squeezer (optional)
- Tongs
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful garlic butter shrimp recipe made with fresh garlic, butter, lemon juice, and perfectly cooked shrimp. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: Pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat the skillet: Warm olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Add butter and lemon: Stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss & finish: Coat shrimp evenly in sauce. Remove from heat.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot with bread, pasta, or rice.
Notes
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they turn rubbery quickly.
- Adjust lemon juice and red pepper flakes to taste.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Tips & Variations
- Add angel hair pasta directly to the pan to soak up the sauce.
- Use cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
- Swap shrimp for scallops for a different seafood option.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
Pro Chef Tips
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
- Cook in batches if needed—don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Use real butter for the richest flavor.
- A cast iron skillet gives shrimp beautiful color and heat distribution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp – they become tough quickly.
- Burning the garlic – keep the heat moderate.
- Skipping the lemon or acid – it balances the flavors.
- Crowding the pan – this leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Using cold shrimp – bring them to room temperature for even cooking.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet to avoid overcooking.
- Great for meal prep — make the sauce fresh and reheat shrimp separately for best texture.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
- You can marinate the shrimp in garlic, oil, and seasoning up to 24 hours ahead.
- Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen by thawing in the fridge overnight and warming gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Over buttered pasta or creamy risotto
- With crusty garlic bread for dipping
- Alongside a fresh garden salad
- Paired with white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q2: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use vegan butter or olive oil.
Q3: What size shrimp works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp hold up well to high heat and look great on the plate.
Q4: Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or zucchini pair wonderfully.
Q5: How do I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just cook in batches to keep shrimp from overcrowding.
Q7: What’s the best pasta to serve with this?
Angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti work beautifully.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of those recipes that checks every box: quick, flavorful, elegant, and foolproof. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will impress without the stress. 🍤✨
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and save it to your Pinterest board to share with fellow food lovers!