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Golden, seared garlic butter shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, served on a rustic ceramic plate with pasta or rice in a cozy kitchen setting.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Jana Rae
This quick and easy garlic butter shrimp recipe is packed with flavor! Ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for pasta, rice, or tacos.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 200 kcal

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.