Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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I love making garlic butter shrimp when I want a quick, flavorful dish that feels a little special without much effort. The shrimp turn tender and juicy, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that I find absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how fast this recipe comes together, making it perfect for busy days. The combination of garlic and butter creates a bold, comforting flavor, while the shrimp cook in just minutes. I also like how versatile it is—I can serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
butter
garlic cloves, minced
olive oil
lemon juice
parsley, chopped
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil and a portion of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, I add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

I place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer and season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat. I cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Then I add the remaining butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, letting everything melt together into a rich sauce. I toss the shrimp gently to coat them evenly.

I finish by sprinkling chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately while warm.

Servings and timing

I usually make this recipe for about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth. If I want a creamy version, I stir in a bit of heavy cream at the end. I also like adding spinach or cherry tomatoes for more color and flavor.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, I gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking them. I try not to microwave them too long so they stay tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

I can use frozen shrimp, but I make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

I look for them to turn pink and opaque with a slight curl.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?

I like serving it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Can I add more garlic?

I often adjust the garlic based on my taste—I sometimes add extra for a stronger flavor.

Conclusion

I keep garlic butter shrimp in my regular rotation because it’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but takes very little time to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion.