This Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fast, restaurant-quality dish made with juicy shrimp, rich butter, and bold garlic flavor, finished with fresh lemon and parsley. It’s light yet indulgent, ready in under 20 minutes, and perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes or less
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect balance of buttery, garlicky, and citrusy
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
- Great for pasta, rice, or crusty bread
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Sauté the Garlic
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—do not brown.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly golden.
4. Finish with Lemon Butter
Reduce heat to low. Add remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss shrimp gently until butter is melted and shrimp are coated in the sauce.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.
Serving Ideas
- Over buttered pasta or linguine
- With steamed rice or quinoa
- Alongside roasted vegetables
- With crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- As a protein for salads or tacos
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Use large shrimp for best texture
- Don’t overcook—shrimp cook very fast
- Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth (optional)
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 2 days in an airtight container
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet over low heat (avoid microwaving)
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, unforgettable flavor. It’s fast, flexible, and guaranteed to impress—perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
