If you’re a fan of quick, delicious dinners that taste like they came straight from a restaurant, this garlic butter shrimp recipe is going to be your new favorite. Tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce—perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or even with crusty bread for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp

Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Incredible Flavor: The garlic butter sauce is perfectly balanced with a touch of lemon for brightness.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, appetizer, or even toss it with pasta for a more filling meal.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

How to Make It

To make garlic butter shrimp, you’ll start by prepping your shrimp. Peel and devein them, leaving the tails on for a touch of elegance (optional). Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for getting that golden sear.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your butter. Once it’s melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic. Let the garlic cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn, as that can turn the sauce bitter.

Next, place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can prevent the shrimp from searing properly. Season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, flipping them once they turn pink and slightly curled.

Once the shrimp are cooked through, transfer them to a plate and set them aside. Add a bit more butter to the pan and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Stir the sauce to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce until they’re fully coated. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up the buttery, garlicky goodness.

Make Ahead Method

This garlic butter shrimp recipe is quick and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but you can also prep ahead to save even more time.

Shrimp Prep: Peel, devein, and season your shrimp up to 8 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Garlic Butter Sauce: Make the sauce (without cooking the shrimp) a day ahead. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the shrimp, and cook until done.
Batch Cooking: If you’re making a large quantity, cook the shrimp in batches and keep them warm in a low oven. Add them back to the sauce just before serving to ensure they stay juicy.
Freezing Option: You can freeze cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra butter to keep them tender.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, raw shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just 2-4 minutes total. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch them closely.
Layer Your Flavors: Sauté the garlic briefly in butter to bring out its sweetness before adding the shrimp. This step makes a big difference in the overall flavor.
Add Lemon Gradually: Start with half the lemon juice and add more to taste. This ensures the sauce isn’t too tangy.
Double the Sauce: If you’re serving this dish with pasta or rice, consider doubling the butter sauce to ensure there’s enough to coat everything.

Customize the Heat: Red pepper flakes add just a hint of spice. If you like it hotter, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Garnish Like a Pro: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, but you could also use chives or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a twist.

With these tips, your garlic butter shrimp will turn out perfectly every time, bursting with flavor and that irresistible buttery garlic sauce!

Storage Options

Fridge: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat on low heat to preserve their tenderness.
Freezer: It’s best to enjoy garlic butter shrimp fresh, but you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 1 month. Defrost and reheat gently to avoid rubbery texture.

Tools For This Recipe

Large Skillet: For even cooking and perfect searing.
Garlic Press: To make mincing garlic quick and easy.
Zester: For adding a touch of lemon zest to elevate the sauce.
Tongs: For flipping the shrimp with ease.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

What’s the best butter to use?
Use high-quality unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.

Can I add other flavors?
Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or some grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for a complete meal.
Switch the Protein: Use scallops or even chicken instead of shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil to make it dairy-free.
Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for more heat.

How did this recipe turn out for you? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!