Garlic butter shrimp is one of the easiest and most satisfying seafood meals you can make at home. With fresh garlic, warm butter, and tender shrimp, this dish comes together in just a few minutes and delivers a rich, savory flavor that feels restaurant-quality. It’s a dependable option for nights when you want something fast but still impressive—and it works beautifully with pasta, rice, salads, or warm bread.

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This recipe focuses on simple ingredients, quick cooking techniques, and clear steps to help you achieve perfectly cooked shrimp every time. With the right skillet and a little heat control, you’ll create a buttery garlic sauce that coats each shrimp without overpowering the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick from start to finish
Shrimp cook in just a few minutes, making this ideal for weeknights or last-minute meals.

Simple ingredients, bold flavor
Fresh garlic and melted butter build a rich sauce that pairs well with nearly everything.

Dependable results
Drying the shrimp well and avoiding overcooking ensures a tender, juicy texture.

Highly versatile
Serve it over pasta, rice, vegetables, or enjoy as an appetizer.

Easy to customize
Add lemon, herbs, spice, for endless variations.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet (cast iron, stainless steel, or nonstick)
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board + knife
• Measuring spoons

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.

1. Prep the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly. This helps them brown instead of steam. Mince the garlic and measure the butter and seasonings so everything is ready.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Keep the heat gentle—garlic burns quickly.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Place shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Remove from heat immediately.

4. Finish and Serve

Stir in fresh parsley. Add lemon if you like. Serve hot over pasta, rice, vegetables, or with warm crusty bread.

Food Safety Tip:
Cook shrimp until they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. Avoid eating or serving undercooked seafood.

How to Serve

Garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with:

• Linguine or angel hair tossed in the leftover garlic butter
• Steamed rice, coconut rice, or lemon rice
• Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad
• Garlic bread or toasted baguette
• Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

For appetizers, arrange shrimp on toasted crostini or serve with lemon wedges on a platter.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerate:
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze:
You can freeze cooked shrimp, but texture is best when eaten fresh.

Make Ahead:
Prep garlic and measure butter in advance; cook the shrimp fresh for best results.

How to Reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp

Shrimp reheat very quickly, so use gentle heat:

Skillet:
Warm over low heat with a bit of butter for 1–2 minutes.

Microwave:
Heat in 10-second bursts to avoid toughness.

Avoid:
Boiling or high heat—shrimp become rubbery very quickly when overheated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp
Cook just until opaque and lightly curled. Remove from heat promptly.

Burning the garlic
Garlic becomes bitter when browned. Keep heat moderate.

Skipping the drying step
Wet shrimp steam instead of sauté, preventing good texture.

Crowding the pan
If the skillet is too full, shrimp cook unevenly. Work in batches if needed.

Using high heat from the start
Medium heat builds flavor without burning the butter or garlic.

Variations

Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add zest or a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
Spicy Shrimp: Add crushed red pepper flakes with garlic.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water.

FAQ – Garlic Butter Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking.

What shrimp size works best?
Large shrimp (21/25 or 26/30 count) cook evenly and stay tender.

Is this recipe healthy?
Shrimp are high in protein and low in fat. Adjust butter as needed.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Why did my shrimp turn rubbery?
They were cooked too long. Shrimp continue to cook from residual heat, so remove them promptly.

Conclusion

Garlic butter shrimp is a simple, flavorful dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a satisfying meal in just a few minutes. With fresh garlic, warm butter, and perfectly cooked shrimp, this recipe is ideal for fast dinners, special occasions, or whenever you need a meal that’s both easy and impressive. Once you learn the timing, it becomes one of the most reliable seafood recipes in your rotation.

Recipe Card: Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
Total Time: 10–12 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Seafood
Author: Isaac Blogger

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels until completely dry.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds without browning.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer; season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and lightly curled.
6. Remove from heat; stir in parsley and serve immediately with lemon.

Notes

• Cook shrimp only until opaque for best texture.
• Add lemon juice or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
• Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Food Safety Tip:
Shrimp should be fully opaque and firm. Avoid undercooking.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving):
Calories: 240 | Protein: 23g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 2g | Sodium: 490mg

Nutrition Disclaimer:
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.