Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe | Quick & Delicious Seafood Dinner

If you’re craving a flavorful, restaurant-quality seafood dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes, this Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is your new go-to! Juicy shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of herbs — this dish is simple, elegant, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or just dipping your toes into cooking shrimp, this recipe is foolproof, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that luscious garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for garnish
• Optional: cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Rinse your shrimp under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures the shrimp sear nicely rather than steam.
2. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and slightly bubble but not brown.
3. Cook the garlic: Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Sear the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes without moving them to get a nice sear on one side.
5. Flip and finish cooking: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and pink all the way through. Shrimp cook fast, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking – they become rubbery if cooked too long.
6. Add butter and lemon: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Then, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and mix well to combine all the flavors.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of sides like pasta, steamed rice, or a crusty baguette.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Choose the right shrimp: Large shrimp or jumbo shrimp work best as they’re meaty and hold up well during cooking. Fresh or frozen is fine, but if frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear shrimp in a single layer. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook in batches to ensure they get a good crust and cook evenly.
• Use fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic in jars for this dish as it can be less fragrant.
• Watch cooking time closely: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooking makes them rubbery and tough. Pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• Add lemon last: Adding lemon juice at the end preserves its bright, fresh flavor without cooking away the acidity.
• Customize spice level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
• Pair it right: This shrimp is amazing tossed into linguine, served over garlic mashed potatoes, or spooned over a bed of quinoa for a healthy option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Excess moisture from frozen shrimp will release steam and prevent a good sear.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, like linguine or spaghetti, to make a quick seafood pasta. Alternatively, serve alongside steamed rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or with crusty bread to mop up the buttery sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad also pair nicely.

How do I store leftover garlic butter shrimp?

Let the shrimp cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, but be careful not to overcook.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or extra olive oil. The flavor won’t be quite the same but will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is best, but in a pinch, you can use high-quality garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon and add it at the beginning with the olive oil for best flavor.

Why This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

This shrimp recipe is one of those effortless dishes that exudes flavor and looks impressive without hours in the kitchen. Perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce is something almost everyone loves. Plus, it’s highly adaptable—you can tweak the seasonings, spice it up, or keep it mild. It makes a great weeknight dinner but also elevates a date night or special occasion meal.

Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your “go-to” seafood dinner for busy nights, your Pinterest-worthy crowd-pleaser that gets all the compliments, or your quick fix when you want something satisfying but light. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy that buttery, garlicky goodness!

Printable Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Pat shrimp dry. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat in skillet.
2. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp, season, and sear 2 minutes one side.
4. Flip shrimp, cook 1-2 minutes until opaque.
5. Stir in remaining butter and lemon juice.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make garlic butter shrimp tonight!