Deliciously Easy 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving a quick and mouthwatering seafood dish that’s both elegant and easy, look no further than this 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this recipe delivers juicy, buttery shrimp bursting with flavor in under 20 minutes. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

On Pinterest and beyond, garlic butter shrimp is a viral sensation loved for its irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — serve it over pasta, rice, in tacos, or just with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky butter sauce. Ready to dive into this easy shrimp delight? Here’s everything you need to know to make it perfectly every time!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing moisture helps the shrimp sear nicely in the pan.
2. Heat the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted and sizzling, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, tossing halfway through to coat them evenly with garlic butter.
4. Add lemon juice: Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them directly in the pan. Give everything a quick toss to combine and warm through for about 30 seconds.
5. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, if desired. Serve your garlic butter shrimp hot over your favorite base — pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Every Time

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or thawed, large shrimp work best for this recipe. Avoid frozen shrimp with shells as peeling can be tedious and shells may trap moisture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: For even cooking and proper searing, cook shrimp in batches if needed so they stay beautifully tender and don’t steam.
• Control garlic heat: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter if cooked too long. Add it last after butter melts and keep the heat medium or medium-low.
• Customize flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist or fresh herbs like thyme or basil for different herby notes.
• Keep lemons handy: Fresh lemon juice brightens the rich butter sauce and balances the flavors perfectly.
• Meal prep friendly: Cook shrimp ahead and store cooled in an airtight container up to 24 hours. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of butter or olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are convenient and work well if properly thawed and patted dry. To thaw, place frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes and remove excess moisture before cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add some heat by sprinkling red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic. It’s a great way to customize it to your spice preference.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

While butter adds a rich, creamy flavor that’s signature to this dish, you can swap in olive oil for a lighter version. Combining butter and olive oil also helps prevent burning during cooking.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?

Garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides — try it over linguine or angel hair pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even salad greens for a light meal. Don’t forget crusty bread to mop up the luscious sauce!

How long does garlic butter shrimp keep in the fridge?

Store cooked garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking and rubbery texture.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Dish

This 5-ingredient garlic butter shrimp recipe is incredibly easy and quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. The combination of fresh garlic, melted butter, and zesty lemon juice delivers a flavor punch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb, fitting seamlessly into various dietary preferences.

Whether you toss it into a fresh salad, pasta dish, or enjoy it straight from the pan, this shrimp recipe will become your go-to when you want something delicious with minimal effort. So grab fresh shrimp on your next grocery run and give this simple yet stunning garlic butter shrimp a try — you won’t regret it!

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
• Lemon Butter Salmon with Asparagus
• Easy Garlic Butter Pasta with Broccoli
• One-Pan Cajun Shrimp and Veggies

Enjoy your cooking and don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for easy access next time! Happy eating!