Butter Garlic Shrimp

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When you’re craving something deliciously savory, yet quick enough to whip up on a weeknight, Butter Garlic Shrimp is the answer. This dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. The rich aroma of garlic infused in melted butter, tossed with plump, juicy shrimp, creates an irresistible combination that satisfies every time. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes.

What makes this dish so appealing is how effortlessly elegant it is. It looks like something from a high-end seafood restaurant but takes just minutes to prepare in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for spontaneous dinners, date nights, or even meal prepping for the week. Simple ingredients, powerful taste—this is comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Garlic Shrimp

• Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners
• Uses pantry staples: garlic, butter, and shrimp
• Pairs well with pasta, rice, veggies, or bread
• Rich in protein and low in carbs
• Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for beginners

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before starting, gather your ingredients and make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. The essential tools for this dish include:

• Non-stick or cast-iron skillet: Ensures even cooking and helps sear the shrimp beautifully without sticking.
• Garlic press or knife: Fresh garlic makes all the difference; a press helps release maximum flavor quickly.
• Tongs or spatula: To toss the shrimp evenly with the butter and garlic.
• Mixing bowl: Handy for marinating shrimp or tossing them in spices before cooking.

These tools help make the cooking process smooth and efficient while ensuring the best flavor and texture.

Preparation Tips

To get the best out of your Butter Garlic Shrimp, start by patting the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear rather than steam. Don’t overcook them—shrimp only need about 1–2 minutes per side. Add the garlic after the shrimp has begun cooking to prevent it from burning, and swirl in the butter at the end to lock in that rich, silky finish. Finish with a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of zing or heat.

Ingredients for this Butter Garlic Shrimp

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• Zest of half a lemon (optional for extra brightness)

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will sear better in the skillet. If they aren’t already, make sure they’re fully peeled and deveined.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let them marinate while you prepare the rest of your ingredients, about 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Place a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt and begin to bubble.

Step 4: Sear the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and curl. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the other side. Avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Add Garlic and More Butter

Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the butter becomes a silky sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Herbs

Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, sprinkle chopped parsley, and add lemon zest if desired. Give everything a final toss to coat the shrimp evenly in the garlic butter sauce.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve your Butter Garlic Shrimp hot, straight from the pan, over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with warm crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce. Add an optional sprinkle of extra parsley or chili flakes for presentation and flavor.

Notes

Butter Garlic Shrimp is incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak the flavor by adding more spices or switching up the herbs. Fresh parsley adds a clean, bright finish, but cilantro or basil can be delicious alternatives. If you’re looking for more sauce, simply double the butter and garlic. This shrimp dish is also naturally low-carb, making it suitable for keto or paleo diets. When using frozen shrimp, always thaw completely and pat dry for the best texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the shrimp: They cook quickly! Leaving them too long on the heat will result in rubbery texture.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast and turns bitter if overdone. Always reduce the heat before adding garlic to the pan.
• Crowding the pan: Too many shrimp at once will steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the drying step: Wet shrimp won’t get that beautiful golden edge. Always pat dry.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Butter Garlic Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. It’s best not to freeze cooked shrimp as the texture may suffer. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the raw, seasoned shrimp and cook them fresh when needed.

Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 4 oz shrimp)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo shrimp work best, preferably peeled and deveined for convenience. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s not recommended, as they tend to become overcooked and rubbery. Raw shrimp absorb flavors better and cook more evenly.

What sides go well with Butter Garlic Shrimp?

It pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, sautéed veggies, or a crusty baguette.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add the optional red pepper flakes. You can skip them for a milder flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.

How long does it take to cook?

The entire dish takes under 20 minutes from prep to plate.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Toss in quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini towards the end for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Butter Garlic Shrimp is a fast, flavorful, and foolproof recipe that’s perfect for nearly any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you get a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something impressive to serve guests, this dish delivers every time.

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