Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Butter Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp are seared in a rich garlic butter sauce, brightened with lemon and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
• Zest of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse and pat the shrimp dry completely with paper towels.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
4. Step 4: Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink and curled.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat, add the minced garlic and remaining butter, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat, then add lemon juice, chopped parsley, and lemon zest if using. Toss to coat evenly.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or bread for a delicious meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for 15 minutes in the olive oil and spices before cooking.
• Omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish, or add more for extra heat.
• Swap fresh parsley with cilantro or basil for a different herbal note.
• Add a splash of white wine when cooking the garlic for a subtle depth.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. This dish tastes best fresh, so avoid reheating multiple times.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam.

What can I serve with butter garlic shrimp?

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with cooked pasta, steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the buttery garlic sauce.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

This Butter Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Large shrimp are seared in butter and olive oil, then infused with aromatic garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of lemon for a savory and zesty meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
• Zest of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and pat them completely dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until they are evenly coated.
3. Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter.
4. Sear the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl up, indicating they are cooked through.
5. Add garlic and butter: Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
6. Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Toss the shrimp gently to coat evenly with the buttery garlic sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the butter garlic shrimp immediately alongside rice, pasta, or fresh bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Notes

• Make sure shrimp are thoroughly dried before cooking to ensure a nice sear.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
• Fresh lemon zest brightens the flavor but can be skipped if not available.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
• Can be paired with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: butter garlic shrimp, shrimp recipe, garlic shrimp, quick shrimp dish, seafood dinner, seared shrimp