What’s not to love about garlic butter shrimp? It’s juicy, flavourful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this dish never fails to impress. Shrimp isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with protein, low in calories, and loaded with essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. It’s also extremely quick and easy to make and ready in less than 20 minutes.
Garlic and butter are a match made in heaven. The rich, creamy butter complements the sharp, aromatic garlic perfectly, creating a flavour explosion in every bite.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
With just a few simple ingredients, this lemony garlic butter shrimp is a seafood lover’s dream. Quick, easy, and irresistibly rich, it pairs perfectly with a side of rice or veggies like green beans for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover rice when you’re short on time.
If you’re serving it as an appetiser, expect it to disappear fast! Leave the tails on for easy handling, and don’t forget to provide plenty of napkins.
With frozen shrimp on hand and basic pantry staples, you can have this dish ready in under 20 minutes. Plus, since it’s made in just one pan, clean-up is a breeze! For variety, serve the shrimp over pasta or with fresh buns or garlic toast to soak up every drop of that delectable garlic-butter sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Oil: Use olive oil or a mild-flavoured oil of your choice.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling sodium, but salted butter works just as well.
Garlic: Lots of freshly minced garlic is key. While jarred garlic works, fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavour.
Shrimp: Large, shelled, and deveined shrimp are best. Fresh or frozen both work, and keeping the tails on makes them easier to pick up—especially when served as an appetiser. However, you can remove the tails if preferred.
Salt: Season with salt to taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch (or more) of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the best flavour.
Parsley: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn pink. Season with salt, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Finish the Shrimp: Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Shrimp
Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. Stick to 2-3 minutes per side for tender perfection.
Skipping Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic and shrimp make a world of difference. Avoid pre-minced garlic—it just isn’t the same!
Serving Suggestions
Pairing Garlic Butter Shrimp with Side Dishes
This dish goes great with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Creative Plating Ideas
Use a shallow bowl to showcase the shrimp swimming in the buttery sauce, garnished with parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1.5 pounds large or jumbo shrimp shelled
- 3/8 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 9 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4.5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/8 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink. Season with salt. Flip over and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add garlic: Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds or until aromatic. Do not burn.
- Finish the shrimp: Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley. Turn off the heat. Serve immediately.
