Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Looking for the best Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe? This quick and flavorful seafood dish features tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs, lemon, and simple seasonings. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, pasta, or serving over rice.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in only 20 minutes
Rich, buttery garlic flavor
Juicy, tender shrimp every time
One-pan recipe with easy cleanup
High in protein and naturally low in carbs
Perfect with pasta, rice, or vegetables
⏱️ Prep Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
For the Shrimp
2 lbs (900 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Garnish
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional if serving with pasta)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season with:
Paprika
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Melt the butter in the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds, until fragrant.
Stir in:
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine
Return the shrimp to the skillet.
Toss until every shrimp is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately with:
Buttered linguine
Steamed white rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted asparagus
Steamed broccoli
Crusty bread for dipping into the garlic butter sauce
Garnish with lemon wedges and additional parsley.
💡 Chef’s Tips
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’re done as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Add a splash of white cooking stock or seafood broth for a lighter sauce.
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan if serving with pasta.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently over low heat with a little butter to keep the shrimp juicy.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 340
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 620mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat dry before cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus, Caesar salad, or warm crusty bread.
