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Cooked shrimp in a black skillet with garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, served with toasted bread slices and a lemon wedge, surrounded by fresh parsley leaves, garlic cloves, and a lemon on a rustic wooden table.

Shrimp and Garlic Butter Recipe : The perfect Combo!

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There’s something about shrimp and garlic butter that screams comfort food, right? It’s rich, savory, and feels like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant—but, spoiler alert, it’s so simple you can whip it up at home. This dish combines tender shrimp, rich buttery goodness, and bold garlic flavors in a way that will undoubtedly have everyone at the table asking for second. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just trying to impress dinner guests, this recipe is a surefire hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to pull off this buttery masterpiece. The best part? Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already have them.

For the shrimp and garlic butter:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined; fresh or frozen works)
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced (feel free to adjust if you’re a garlic fan)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (because, let’s be real, butter makes everything better)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but adds a nice kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional sides:

  • Crusty bread for soaking up that garlic butter sauce (highly recommended!)
  • Cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal

How to Make Shrimp and Garlic Butter

Let’s break it down step by step. Trust me, this recipe is beginner-friendly but feels oh-so-fancy when it’s done.

1. Prep the Shrimp

If your shrimp haven’t been prepped already, start by cleaning them. Rinse them under cold water, remove any leftover shells or tails, and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry shrimp sear better, so don’t skip this step.

2. Get the Butter Mixture Ready

Combine your softened butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This step lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Pro tip: You can add a sprinkle of salt here if your butter is unsalted.

3. Sear the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering (but not smoking), add the shrimp. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this allows each piece to get a proper sear. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and add the garlic butter mixture to the same skillet. Keep stirring as it melts to prevent the garlic from burning. Add the red pepper flakes if you’re using them—they give the sauce a slight zing that pairs perfectly with the richness.

Close-up of raw shrimp in a glass bowl, seasoned with paprika, black pepper, and spices, highlighting the translucent texture of the shrimp and vibrant orange seasoning, with a soft and dark blurred background
Close-up of shrimp being sautéed in a skillet with diced onions, lightly seasoned with paprika and black pepper, showcasing a mix of translucent and golden textures on the shrimp, with rich colors and soft, natural lighting.
Close-up of shrimp being cooked in a skillet with caramelized onions, as a hand pours white wine from a glass into the pan, creating a rich and flavorful sauce, with golden shrimp and soft natural lighting

5. Bring It All Together

Next, toss the shrimp back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Then, stir gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Finally, let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the shrimp can soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness.

Shrimp and Garlic Butter Preparation

6. Serve Hot

Place the sauce and shrimp on a platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of extra lemon juice if you like. Do not let a drop of the extra sauce go to waste; pour it on top if you are serving it with rice, pasta, or bread!

Cooked shrimp in a black skillet with garlic butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, served with toasted bread slices and a lemon wedge, surrounded by fresh parsley leaves, garlic cloves, and a lemon on a rustic wooden table.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Garlic Butter Dish

Want to make this dish even better? Here are some insider tricks to up your game:

  • Buy Good-Quality Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always taste better, but frozen shrimp can work if that’s what you have. Just thaw them properly.
  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so keep an eye on the clock.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder just won’t cut it here. Fresh garlic gives the sauce its bold flavor.
  • Go Heavy on the Butter: Since butter is the main ingredient, feel free to add a bit more if you are feeling particularly decadent.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Shrimp Garlic Butter

This dish is incredibly versatile; in fact, you can either keep it simple or, on the other hand, go all out with sides that perfectly complement the buttery garlic flavors.

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce. Seriously, don’t skip this.
  • Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine or angel hair pasta for a restaurant-style meal.
  • Rice: A fluffy bed of rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.
  • Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or asparagus add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It is Fast: This is ideal for weeknight dinners because it can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
  • It Feels Fancy: Despite being simple, it’s impressive enough for special occasions.
  • It’s versatile: Serve it as an appetizer or main course, or pair it with your favorite sides.
  • It’s Irresistible: The combination of butter, garlic, and shrimp is basically unbeatable.

If you’re loving this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out more ideas in my Lunch Recipes category! From quick and easy meals to satisfying options that’ll keep you fueled for the day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even easy recipes can come with hiccups. Here’s how to fix them:

  • Shrimp Too Chewy? You probably overcooked them. Next time, follow the suggested cooking time.
  • Sauce Too Thin? Let it simmer a little longer to thicken. You can also add a touch of cornstarch mixed with water.
  • Sauce Too Salty? Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar to balance it out.

FAQs About Shrimp and Garlic Butter

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If you do make it ahead, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Medium to large shrimp work best for this recipe; plus, to save time, you can opt for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp are fine—just thaw them properly before cooking.

Can I Substitute Butter with Something Else?

Although butter is essential to the flavor, you can substitute a mixture of margarine and olive oil if necessary. Just remember that it will not have the same creamy, rich texture.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

For up to two days, leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Not sure how to prep your shrimp? Check out this helpful guide on How to Properly Clean and Devein Shrimp to get them ready for cooking in no time!

This shrimp and garlic butter recipe is one you’ll find yourself making over and over again. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and works perfectly for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner or a cozy, romantic date night at home. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking. You’re about to make something truly delicious!