The moment you hear the sizzle of shrimp in a hot pan, drizzled with luscious garlic butter, your mouth begins to water. The savory aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and igniting a craving that’s hard to resist. Garlic butter shrimp is not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you straight to a sun-soaked beachside restaurant.

Picture this: friends gathered around the dinner table, laughter filling the air as they dive into a bowl of perfectly succulent shrimp, glistening in that irresistible garlic butter sauce. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, creating memories that linger long after the last bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, garlic butter shrimp is always a showstopper.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter shrimp dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making weeknight cooking a breeze
- The flavor balance between rich butter and zesty garlic elevates every bite to pure bliss
- Its vibrant presentation impresses guests and makes any occasion feel special
- Versatile enough for pasta, rice, or crusty bread, it complements various side dishes effortlessly
I remember the first time I made garlic butter shrimp for my friends. Their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bites, and I felt like a culinary rock star!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp; both work well but ensure they’re deveined for easy eating.
-
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the seasoning better; it adds richness to the dish.
-
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for maximum flavor; don’t skimp on it!
-
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
-
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness; dried can be used in a pinch.
-
Red Pepper Flakes: These add just the right amount of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always taste before serving to get it just right.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients together. Mince your garlic and chop parsley while thawing your shrimp if using frozen ones.
Melt That Butter!: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly but not browned. Enjoy the aroma as it fills your kitchen.
Add Garlic and Shrimp: Toss in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add your shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque.
Add Flavor Boosters: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Garnish and Serve! : Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley before serving immediately over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
With these simple steps, you’re on your way to enjoying one of life’s simplest pleasures: garlic butter shrimp! Embrace your inner chef as you whip this up quickly—your taste buds will thank you later!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter shrimp is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor
- The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
- This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests on special occasions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the garlic in butter first for maximum flavor, then add shrimp for even cooking. This sequence ensures that each bite bursts with garlicky goodness and keeps the shrimp tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for scallops or add veggies like spinach for extra nutrition. A splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness without overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can work but may lack that snap
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking; give each shrimp space to sear perfectly
- For extra richness, finish with a pat of cold butter before serving, enhancing that luxurious garlic flavor
Cooking garlic butter shrimp reminds me of my friend’s surprise party, where I whipped it up last minute. They devoured it, and I became the “shrimp magician” of our friend group.
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for garlic butter shrimp?
Use large, fresh shrimp for optimal texture and flavor in your dish.
Can I use frozen shrimp instead?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
What should I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible taste of garlic butter shrimp—a dish that combines succulent shrimp with rich, aromatic garlic butter for a dining experience reminiscent of a beachside restaurant. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this quick and easy recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a delicious meal that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (deveined)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients; thaw shrimp if frozen.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Squeeze in lemon juice, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 303
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 632mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 272mg