Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, effortless way to elevate dinner, Garlic Butter Shrimp is the dish of your dreams. Plump shrimp bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce, brightened up with a splash of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, make this recipe a weeknight staple. There’s an irresistible balance of rich, savory flavors and a zippy freshness, all ready in the time it takes to slice a baguette. It’s comfort food with a lively personality, ready to impress guests or simply bring a bit of restaurant magic to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, from the sweet, juicy shrimp to the aromatic garlic and the velvety butter that brings it all together. Even the optional extras, like smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, are worth a try for the way they deepen every bite.

• Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): The hero of the dish—choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the juiciest results.
• Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp): Delivers richness and that classic buttery gloss, while letting you control the saltiness.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth—don’t be shy if you’re a garlic lover!
• Chicken Broth or White Wine (1/4 cup): Adds depth and a savory, tangy lift to the sauce—wine brings sophistication, while broth keeps it classic.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Combines with butter for better flavor and helps prevent it from burning.
• Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp, optional): Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color if you’re seeking extra flair.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For just a kiss of heat—add more or less depending on spice preference.
• Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon): Brightens the whole dish and balances the buttery richness.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste): Absolutely necessary for enhancing every flavor—season with confidence.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Finishes your Garlic Butter Shrimp with a pop of freshness and color.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Kick things off by heating your olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and begins to foam, toss in the minced garlic. You’ll want to stir for about one minute, just until the garlic is fragrant—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. This step is what gives Garlic Butter Shrimp its mouthwatering aroma and depth of flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add your prepared shrimp directly into the garlicky butter, followed by the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the shrimp cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning them as they start to turn opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook—the goal is juicy, tender bites. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in those red pepper flakes now.

Step 3: Make the Pan Sauce

Once the shrimp are near perfection, pour in your chicken broth or white wine. Use your spoon to gently scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, then let the sauce simmer for one to two minutes. Finish by adding the lemon juice—this will enliven everything and pull the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

With the sauce bubbling and the shrimp just cooked through, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle on the fresh parsley and give everything a gentle toss so each shrimp gets coated in herby, garlicky goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp hot, making sure to spoon plenty of sauce over whatever you serve alongside it!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garnishes

A shower of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch for Garlic Butter Shrimp. If you want to go the extra mile, scatter over a little grated lemon zest or a handful of finely chopped chives. These little pops of green and citrus make the dish feel cheerful and inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely begs to be paired with something that will soak up all that silky, garlicky sauce—think slices of crusty baguette or a simple bowl of steamed rice. Garlic Butter Shrimp also shines atop buttery linguine, lemony couscous, or even creamy mashed potatoes, making it endlessly versatile for any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For appetizers, serve Garlic Butter Shrimp in little cups or on skewers, letting guests dip them in extra sauce. For a cozy meal, pile the shrimp over warm polenta or tuck them into soft, garlic-rubbed rolls for handheld bliss. If you’re feeling festive, scatter the shrimp across a big platter, drizzled with sauce, and let everyone dig in family-style for maximum fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen slightly as they mingle, making leftovers a welcomed treat!

Freezing

For longer storage, Garlic Butter Shrimp can be frozen—just make sure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within one month for optimal flavor and texture, as shrimp can sometimes get a little mushy when thawed.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce together in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as shrimp can overcook and toughen quickly. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed and serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp are convenient and work beautifully in Garlic Butter Shrimp.

What type of white wine is best?

A crisp, dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal. These wines add just the right brightness to the sauce without overpowering the shrimp’s flavor.

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp dairy-free?

Definitely give it a try by swapping in a good plant-based butter alternative. The results will be just as rich and satisfying, and olive oil alone can also work in a pinch.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque, curling into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye during those last couple of minutes.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you control the spice! The red pepper flakes are totally optional and can be adjusted to your taste—a little goes a long way if you want a gentle kick.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp is truly one of those magical dishes that punches way above its weight in both flavor and simplicity. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to for quick weeknights, special celebrations, or those times when you need something downright delicious in just minutes. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love bite after buttery bite!

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