The aroma of sizzling garlic butter wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful meal that unfolds in mere minutes. Imagine tender shrimp bathing in a luscious pool of melted butter, their delicate sweetness enhanced by fragrant garlic and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—heaven on a plate.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is not just a meal; it’s my go-to dish for impressing guests or treating myself on lazy evenings. My friends still rave about the time I cooked this quick wonder for our movie night. Spoiler alert: they spent more time talking about the food than the film!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter shrimp dish cooks up in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The combination of flavors is simply irresistible with rich garlic and buttery goodness.
- Its stunning presentation makes it ideal for entertaining or impressing family.
- Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs and spices!
One evening at a friend’s house, I whipped up this dish in no time flat. They were so impressed that they asked if I secretly trained at a culinary school—and here I was just following my trusty old recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient that adds richness; use unsalted to control the saltiness.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; fresh garlic packs a punch compared to powdered versions.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to substitute with basil if preferred.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds subtle heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Shrimp: Begin by rinsing your shrimp under cold water to ensure they’re clean. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it starts bubbling gently—this is when magic begins!
Add the Garlic: Toss in minced fresh garlic once the butter has melted. Stir continuously until fragrant—about 30 seconds—be careful not to let it brown.
Cook the Shrimp: Add your shrimp into the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Season It Up!: Squeeze half a lemon over the cooked shrimp while sprinkling chopped parsley and red pepper flakes on top for that flavor explosion.
Serve and Enjoy!: Remove from heat and serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice; don’t forget to drizzle any remaining buttery goodness from the pan over your dish!
Enjoy your culinary triumph as you dive into this flavorful experience!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that can impress anyone.
- The aroma of garlic and butter fills your kitchen, making it feel like a five-star restaurant.
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it’s sure to leave your guests in awe.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the shrimp first in garlic butter, then add lemon juice and parsley for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for scallops or add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat gently on low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked shrimp, ensure they are dry before cooking.
- This prevents them from steaming instead of sautéing.
- Always use fresh garlic for that robust flavor and don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking; this can lead to uneven cooking.
I’ve shared this garlic butter shrimp recipe at countless gatherings, and the compliments never stop coming! It’s always a hit with friends and family, especially when paired with crusty bread.
FAQ
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
Serve with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked; this usually takes 3-5 minutes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in rich garlic-infused butter, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 (8 large shrimp total) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until bubbling.
- Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with parsley, and add red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, swap out parsley for basil or cilantro.
- Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste; avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 large shrimp (120g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
