A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp recipe that’s bursting with flavor! Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or for topping pasta, rice, or salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ready in 10 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights!
✔ Flavor-packed – Garlic butter and fresh lemon enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
✔ Versatile – Serve with pasta, rice, tacos, or enjoy as an appetizer.
✔ Low-carb & keto-friendly – A healthy option with bold flavors!
Best Shrimp to Use
This recipe works well with fresh or frozen shrimp:
🍤 Jumbo Shrimp (16-20 per lb) – Great for a restaurant-style presentation.
🍤 Medium Shrimp (31-40 per lb) – Cooks quickly and works well in pasta and rice dishes.
🍤 Small Shrimp (50+ per lb) – Best for salads, tacos, and wraps.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers:
Cool shrimp completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make shrimp rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Toss with linguine and parmesan.
🍽 Shrimp Tacos – Serve in tortillas with slaw and avocado.
🍽 Shrimp & Rice Bowl – Add over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
🍽 Shrimp Scampi – Serve with garlic bread and a white wine butter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them in the fridge overnight or in cold water for 15 minutes before cooking.
2. How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Shrimp cook quickly—only 1-2 minutes per side. Once they turn pink and opaque, remove them immediately from heat.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
4. What can I use instead of lemon?
Lime juice or white wine works as a great substitute for lemon juice.
5. Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp peeled & deveined, tail-on or off
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra flavor
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for extra herb flavor
- ½ teaspoon honey for a subtle sweet balance
- ¼ cup white wine for a richer sauce
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Dry shrimp sear better, giving them a nice golden color.
- In a large skillet, melt butter (or heat olive oil) over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Notes
- Best Shrimp to Use: This recipe works best with medium to large shrimp (16-30 count per lb). Jumbo shrimp provide the most impressive presentation, while smaller shrimp cook even faster.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking. The easiest way is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for about 15 minutes. Always pat shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a good sear.
- How to Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overcooked. As soon as they turn pink and opaque (about 1-2 minutes per side), remove them from the heat.
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Garlic Butter Sauce Variations:
- Add a splash of white wine for a richer, restaurant-style flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for olive oil to make this dish dairy-free while still maintaining rich flavor.
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Best Cooking Method:
- Cast iron or stainless steel pans create the best sear on shrimp.
- Non-stick pans work too, but they won’t give the same caramelized texture.
- Serving Ideas: Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or tacos. Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Make It a Meal: Turn this into a complete meal by adding steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh side salad.
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that can be made in minutes. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or tossed into pasta, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later. 😊
