Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, buttery goodness with bright, zesty freshness, then Garlic Butter Shrimp is an absolute must-try. This seafood dish features juicy shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, elevated by a hint of lemon juice and scattered with fresh parsley. It’s elegantly simple yet wildly flavorful, making it a fantastic meal for weeknights or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. Each one brings essential flavor and texture to the dish—whether it’s the succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, or creamy butter that forms the base of the sauce.

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined: The heart of the dish, choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best taste and texture.
• Butter: Provides a silky, rich foundation for the sauce, making every bite indulgent.
• Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and pungent depth that pairs beautifully with seafood.
• Lemon juice: Brings a bright, acidic note that perfectly cuts through the butter’s richness.
• Fresh parsley: Offers a pop of color and a fresh herbal hint to finish the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Heat the Butter and Sauté the Garlic

Start by melting the butter gently in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it just until it becomes fragrant and golden. This step is crucial because it infuses the butter with warm, garlicky flavor right from the start, setting the tone for the whole dish.

Step 2: Add the Shrimp

Next, add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn a vibrant pink and curl slightly. This ensures the shrimp are perfectly tender and juicy without overcooking.

Step 3: Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley

Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to add brightness and balance the butter’s richness. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley all over to introduce that lovely burst of color and herbaceous freshness that makes this Garlic Butter Shrimp pop on the plate.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garnishes

A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley and maybe a lemon wedge on the side makes the dish look as vibrant as it tastes. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat boost if you like a little spice.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to shake things up! Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp tossed with pasta or nestled over a bed of creamy polenta. You can also skewer the shrimp for a fun appetizer or serve them atop toasted baguette slices as an elegant bruschetta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Garlic Butter Shrimp left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps preserve the juicy texture and rich flavors without drying out the shrimp.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish because the shrimp can become rubbery and lose their tender texture after thawing. If you must freeze, do so immediately after cooking and consume within one month.

Reheating

When reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp, use low heat on the stove or warm gently in the microwave to avoid overcooking. Adding a small pat of butter or a splash of water can help keep the shrimp moist during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can interfere with the sauce.

Is Garlic Butter Shrimp spicy?

Not by default. The traditional recipe is rich and garlicky without heat, but you can easily add spices like red pepper flakes to spice it up.

What type of butter works best for this recipe?

Unsalted butter is best so you can control the seasoning, but if you only have salted, adjust the salt you add to the dish accordingly.

Can I add other herbs besides parsley?

Definitely! Fresh cilantro, dill, or basil can all bring delightful new flavor dimensions to Garlic Butter Shrimp.

How long does it take to cook Garlic Butter Shrimp?

The entire recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, with just 10 minutes dedicated to cooking. It’s a quick and impressive meal!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat, even when you whip it up on a busy weeknight. The magic of juicy shrimp bathed in fragrant garlic butter with a bright splash of lemon is hard to resist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon — it’s consistently a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite that I love sharing.