Garlic butter shrimp is a dish that dances on your taste buds, creating a symphony of flavors with every bite. Imagine succulent shrimp bathing in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon that makes your mouth water just thinking about it.
This delightful dish is not just a treat for your palate; it’s also an instant crowd-pleaser at dinner parties or cozy family gatherings. Picture the scene: friends gathered around the table, eyes wide as they take their first bite, followed by delighted laughter and compliments flying around like confetti.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic butter shrimp comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal
- The bold garlic flavor pairs beautifully with tender shrimp, creating an irresistible combination
- Its vibrant color adds visual appeal to any plate, ensuring your meal looks as good as it tastes
- Perfect for serving over pasta or rice, this dish offers incredible versatility for any occasion
I remember the first time I made garlic butter shrimp for my family; my brother practically inhaled it and declared it “the best thing ever.” His reaction was priceless and has made this dish a staple at our family dinners ever since.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for optimal flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can work too—just thaw them properly.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it lets the garlic shine through.
Fresh Garlic: Use plenty of fresh cloves to create that robust garlic flavor that we all crave.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color—don’t skip this step!
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if you’re using fresh ones. Mince several cloves of fresh garlic to ensure you get that punchy flavor in every mouthful.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt about four tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly but not browning. The aroma will be heavenly!
Add Garlic and Shrimp: Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with amazing scents. Immediately add your shrimp to the skillet.
Cook Until Pink: Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remember not to overcrowd the pan; we want each one to bask in that buttery goodness.
Add Flavor Boosters: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle red pepper flakes while stirring everything together. Let those flavors meld for an extra minute.
Finish with Parsley!: Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over everything before serving. This final touch brings freshness and makes your dish look stunning!
Now you have a plateful of garlic butter shrimp ready to impress anyone who dares to sit at your dinner table!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter shrimp is a quick, delightful dish perfect for weeknights
- The rich aroma and buttery flavor will impress anyone at your dinner table
- It’s versatile enough to serve over pasta or rice and makes a great appetizer too
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting the garlic in butter to release its flavors, then add shrimp until they turn pink. This sequence ensures perfectly cooked shrimp without overcooking, leaving them juicy and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding lemon zest, herbs like parsley or basil, or even a splash of white wine for extra depth. These tweaks can elevate the dish to new heights!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your garlic butter shrimp turns out perfectly, always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor
- Avoid overcooking by watching for color changes closely
- Pair it with crusty bread to soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce!
Cooking garlic butter shrimp reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fights for the last piece. It’s that good!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook garlic butter shrimp?
It takes about 5-7 minutes to cook garlic butter shrimp perfectly.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even results.
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together succulent shrimp in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This recipe balances the boldness of garlic with fresh herbs and a zesty touch of lemon, making it a perfect addition to any dinner table. In just 20 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this delightful meal that’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or on its own as an appetizer. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp by peeling and deveining if necessary. Mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with red pepper flakes; stir for an additional minute.
- Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
