Garlic butter shrimp is the ultimate weeknight dinner that comes together in minutes. This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. With minimal prep and bold flavors, this dish will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for busy evenings. The combination of fresh garlic and butter creates a luxurious sauce that coats each shrimp perfectly. You can have this meal on the table in under 20 minutes, which is perfect for those nights when you need something delicious fast.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
To make the best garlic butter shrimp, you’ll need large shrimp, unsalted butter, fresh garlic cloves, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end. For more meal planning ideas, check out our easy weeknight dinner recipes.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation if desired. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat and add minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and toss to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooked pasta or rice for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Tips
- Use cold butter to prevent garlic from burning.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth before adding shrimp.
- This garlic butter shrimp also works well as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter shrimp is a versatile dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Whether you serve it as a main course or a quick appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it tonight and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s both simple and elegant.
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