Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe: A Seafood Lover’s Dream

Mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp dance across your plate with irresistible Mediterranean charm.

Succulent seafood promises delectable moments of pure culinary bliss.

Crisp ingredients merge into a spectacular symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinner magic emerges from simple, fresh components.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results that will surprise you.

Home cooking reaches elegant new heights with this straightforward technique.

Each tender shrimp carries rich, aromatic butter that melts on your tongue.

Prepare to savor every single delicious bite.

FAQs

• How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?

Look for pink color and opaque texture. Shrimp should curl slightly and take about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch closely.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and prevents steaming.

• What type of shrimp works best?

Medium or large shrimp (size 31-40 or 21-25) work perfectly. Ensure they’re deveined and peeled for easy eating. Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp deliver the best flavor.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a non-spicy version. Start with a small pinch and add more if you prefer more kick.

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Simple Crowd-Pleaser

• Easily adaptable dish allows you to adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or serve over pasta, rice, or salad for endless meal variations that keep dinner exciting.
• Simple technique teaches essential skillet skills like sautéing shrimp perfectly and creating a mouthwatering pan sauce, boosting your culinary confidence with each preparation.
• Minimal cleanup with a single skillet means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a restaurant-worthy meal without the hassle of complicated cooking methods.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein and main flavor of the dish.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy texture and helps create a smooth sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and a light, herbal note to the dish.

• Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty, tangy element that balances the richness of the butter.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy kick to the shrimp.

How to Cook Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Seafood Stars

Carefully clean your shrimp by removing shells and deveining.

Finely chop fresh garlic into tiny pieces and mince vibrant green parsley.

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure perfect searing.

Step 2: Butter Magic Begins

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Gently melt half of your butter until it transforms into a soft, foamy pool with delicate bubbles dancing across the surface.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp Perfectly

Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding.

Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes until they turn a beautiful pink color and become slightly opaque.

Carefully transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

In the same skillet, add remaining butter and drop in minced garlic.

Sauté until aromatic with a golden hint.

Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.

Step 5: Reunite and Enhance

Return shrimp to the skillet.

Splash fresh lemon juice and scatter chopped parsley.

Gently toss everything together, allowing flavors to mingle for an additional minute.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Transfer shrimp to a serving plate.

Drizzle remaining buttery sauce generously over the top.

Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Enjoy immediately while warm and juicy.

Pro Tips for Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Let shrimp sit in the butter sauce for an extra 30 seconds after cooking to absorb maximum garlic and herb flavors.
• Avoid overcooking by removing shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink and opaque to maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option while keeping the same delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make the dish keto and low-carbohydrate compatible.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to enhance the butter sauce's depth and complexity.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cooled shrimp in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Will maintain quality for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Stir frequently to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
• Reheat in short 15-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Add a small amount of water or butter to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.

Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the rich garlic butter, enhancing the shrimp's delicate flavor with bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Artisan sourdough or French baguette becomes the perfect vehicle for soaking up the luxurious garlic butter sauce, adding textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, tangy counterpoint to the rich, buttery shrimp, balancing the dish's intensity.
• Elevate with Chilled Cocktail: Refreshing gin and tonic or classic martini cleanses the palate between bites, complementing the shrimp's seafood essence with crisp, botanical undertones.

Creative Garlic Butter Shrimp Variations

• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Replace shrimp with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian alternative that maintains the garlic butter sauce's rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil to create a lactose-free version while preserving the recipe's core seasonings.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Add Cajun seasoning and swap red pepper flakes for cayenne pepper to transform the dish into a zestier, more intense seafood experience.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style enhancement that complements the garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp dance with zesty flavors in this Mediterranean-inspired seafood delight. Crisp herbs and rich butter elevate each tender morsel, promising a quick, elegant meal that transports you to coastal paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (16 ounces) fresh or thawed frozen shrimp
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Clean and prepare shrimp by removing shells and deveining. Finely chop fresh garlic and parsley for quick access.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature, melting butter until it creates a light, foamy surface.
3. Arrange shrimp in a single layer across the skillet, ensuring no overlap. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink and become translucent.
4. Carefully transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, maintaining their delicate texture.
5. In the same skillet, introduce remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for roughly 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors and creating a golden base.
6. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the butter-garlic mixture, adding a subtle hint of warmth and complexity.
7. Gently return shrimp to the skillet, drizzling fresh lemon juice and scattered parsley. Toss ingredients quickly to ensure even coating and heating.
8. Allow shrimp to reheat for an additional minute, absorbing the rich, zesty sauce.
9. Plate immediately, generously spooning any remaining sauce over the shrimp for maximum flavor intensity.

Notes

• Select high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming.
• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Quickly cook shrimp to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture, watching carefully during the 2-minute cooking periods.
• Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free butter and ensuring no cross-contamination in preparation.
• Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still provides rich flavor.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat or reduce for a milder taste, customizing spice levels to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 200mg