Quick And Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp lovers rejoice! This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties. With its juicy, tender shrimp coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fast and Easy: Ready in just 15–20 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute meals.
2. Flavor-Packed: A rich, buttery garlic sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
3. Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, zoodles, or even on its own for a low-carb option.
4. Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a few pantry staples and fresh shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Clean the Shrimp
   • Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Optional Prep
   • If you prefer a richer presentation, leave the tails on.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt Butter and Heat Oil
   • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a subtle flavor.
2. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
   • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the Shrimp
   • Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque.
2. Flip and Finish Cooking
   • Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Shrimp cook quickly, so be cautious not to overcook, as this can make them rubbery.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Butter
   • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, then stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly in the sauce.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Parsley
   • Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
2. Serve Immediately
   • Garlic Butter Shrimp is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Use Fresh Shrimp
   • Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp yield the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them fully before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook
   • Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.
3. Adjust Spice Levels
   • Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
4. Enhance the Sauce
   • For a richer sauce, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth before tossing the shrimp.

Variations

1. Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
   • Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a smoky, spicy twist.
2. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
   • Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after adding the butter for a creamy sauce.
3. Garlic Lemon Herb Shrimp
   • Add extra fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fragrant dish.
4. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
   • Toss cooked pasta directly in the skillet to create a quick shrimp scampi.
5. Low-Carb Option
   • Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.

Pairing Suggestions

1. Side Dishes
   • Steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
2. Carbs
   • Serve with crusty bread, jasmine rice, or linguine to soak up the sauce.
3. Wine Pairing
   • A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
   • Yes, but reduce the cooking time significantly, as pre-cooked shrimp only need to be warmed through.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   • Substitute the butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil.
3. Can I add vegetables?
   • Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions to the dish.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and busy cooks alike. Its quick preparation, simple ingredients, and outstanding flavor make it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or paired with pasta, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Yield: 4

Quick And Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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Shrimp lovers rejoice! This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties. With its juicy, tender shrimp coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
   Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
   
2. Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the olive oil and butter to the pan, letting the butter melt completely.
   Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-60 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
   
3. Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
   Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Do not overcook.
   Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and stir to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
   
4. Step 4: Garnish and Serve
   Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shrimp with fresh parsley.
   Serve immediately with crusty bread, over rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad.

Notes

Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Butter Substitute: For a lighter option, swap some of the butter for additional olive oil.

Add-Ons: Toss in some cooked pasta or steamed vegetables to make this a full meal.