Shrimp Garlic Butter Recipe

Angela

Make this shrimp garlic butter recipe in just 20 minutes! Juicy shrimp tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce—perfect for pasta, rice, or bread.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Shrimp – Large or jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined. Fresh is best, but frozen shrimp works—just thaw completely before cooking.
Butter – Unsalted butter for a silky flavorful sauce without overpowering the dish.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is key for that bold aromatic flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best taste.
Olive Oil – Helps sear the shrimp beautifully while preventing the butter from burning.
Lemon Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon balances the richness of the butter and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Red Pepper Flakes Optional – For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Parsley – Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and mild herbal freshness.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.

White Wine or Chicken Broth – Adds depth to the sauce making it even more luscious and restaurant-worthy.
Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of grated parmesan can add a savory umami finish.
Cajun or Old Bay Seasoning – For an extra bold smoky twist.

✅ Use wild-caught shrimp for the freshest taste and best texture. If using frozen shrimp pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
✅ Fresh garlic makes a difference—it’s more flavorful than pre-minced versions.
✅ Balancing butter and lemon is key! The lemon juice cuts through the richness making the dish perfectly balanced.

✅ If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely by running them under cold water for a few minutes.
✅ Pat the shrimp completely dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear beautifully instead of steaming.
✅ Season with salt and black pepper for a simple yet effective flavor boost.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with a slight golden crust.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking! Shrimp cook fast—once they curl into a "C" shape and turn pink, they’re done. If they curl too tightly into an "O" shape, they may be overcooked.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Once melted, stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Optional: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth and let it simmer for 1 minute to enhance the sauce’s depth.
Stir in red pepper flakes (if using) and squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a zesty finish.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
Let them simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and give everything a final stir.

Your shrimp garlic butter is now ready to be served! Pair it with:
✔ Pasta – Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine for a restaurant-worthy meal.
✔ Rice or Quinoa – A hearty, satisfying option to soak up the sauce.
✔ Crusty Bread – Perfect for sopping up every last drop of that buttery, garlicky goodness!

Keyword garlic butter shrimp, seafood recipe