Juicy shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and parsley. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a simple weeknight meal.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 kcal
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter and minced garlic.
- Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to combine with the garlic butter sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 250 mg
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp
Do not overcook the shrimp because they can become tough and rubbery. Use fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp so they cook quickly and evenly.
Storage
Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic butter shrimp is fast, flavorful, and versatile enough for both a quick dinner and a simple appetizer. Shrimp cooks in only a few minutes, while garlic, butter, and lemon create a sauce with plenty of flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they sear instead of steaming.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; remove them once they are opaque and curled.
- Fresh garlic gives the butter sauce the strongest flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for soaking up the garlic butter. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness just before serving.
Easy Variations
- Add red pepper flakes for spicy garlic shrimp.
- Stir in fresh parsley at the end.
- Add a small splash of lemon juice or white wine to the sauce.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Kitchen Note
Remove the shrimp from the heat as soon as they become opaque and curl into a loose C shape.
Best Tip
Dry the shrimp thoroughly before cooking so they sear instead of releasing too much water into the butter.
Ingredient Swap
Scallops can replace the shrimp, although their cooking time may be slightly different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes. You can replace the butter with additional olive oil, although the flavor will be different.
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
It goes well with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, salad, or crusty bread.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose C shape.
