Butter Garlic Shrimp

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Succulent shrimp bathed in rich, garlicky butter with a sprinkle of herbs and a touch of spice—Butter Garlic Shrimp is a recipe that takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish and is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

This dish is all about balance: the richness of butter, the punch of garlic, and the briny sweetness of fresh shrimp come together beautifully. Serve it with pasta, over rice, or with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of the irresistible sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Garlic Shrimp Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples.
• Versatile: Great as an appetizer or a main course.
• Flavor-Packed: Butter, garlic, and herbs create a mouthwatering sauce.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, use raw, deveined shrimp with tails on. They cook quickly and the tails add extra flavor to the pan. Medium or large shrimp work well—avoid small shrimp as they can overcook easily. Frozen shrimp are perfectly fine, just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry.

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Ingredients for the Butter Garlic Shrimp

Every ingredient in this dish has a role to play in building flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on): The star of the dish, bringing natural sweetness and texture.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce.
• 5 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the butter with deep, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning and helps sear the shrimp.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a gentle heat.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Enhances all other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the dish.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and color.

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How To Make the Butter Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This step helps the shrimp sear nicely and prevents them from steaming.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Cook for another minute until the shrimp are heated through.

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How to Serve and Store Butter Garlic Shrimp

This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or up to 6 as an appetizer. For serving, pair it with pasta, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a slice of rustic bread to scoop up that golden garlic butter sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm over low heat in a skillet—avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.

What to Serve With Butter Garlic Shrimp?

H3: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A buttery and creamy companion that soaks up the garlic sauce beautifully.

H3: Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy, aromatic rice pairs perfectly with the shrimp and sauce.

H3: Roasted Asparagus

Adds a crispy, earthy contrast to the richness of the dish.

H3: Pasta Aglio e Olio

Double down on the garlic with this light pasta side.

H3: Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp and refreshing salad adds balance to the richness.

H3: Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, charred corn complements the buttery shrimp well.

H3: Garlic Bread

You’ll want to mop up every bit of that delicious sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Adjust to your spice preference or omit entirely.

3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s better to use raw shrimp for best flavor and texture. Pre-cooked shrimp may become rubbery when reheated.

4. What other herbs can I use?
Basil, chives, or dill can be great alternatives to parsley, depending on your taste.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra lemon or go heavier on the garlic? Maybe tossed in a bit of parmesan? I love hearing your twists on this classic. Feel free to ask questions too—we’re here to help each other cook better!

Conclusion

Butter Garlic Shrimp is that go-to recipe you can whip up when time is short but flavor can’t be compromised. It’s flexible, quick, and sure to impress. Whether served as a standalone dish or with a flavorful side like Rainbow Smoothie Bowls, Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas, or Tropical Fruit Salad, you’ll find this recipe becoming a fast favorite.

For more quick dinner ideas, check out my Meals We Share Pinterest board filled with recipes I use daily.

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