If you love quick, flavorful meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is going to be your new weeknight hero. Juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with bright notes of lemon and fresh parsley come together in just about 20 minutes. The magic of this dish is how simple ingredients transform into something so rich, comforting, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe makes every bite count and elevates shrimp like never before.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients will make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role in balancing rich, zesty, and fresh flavors while keeping the dish silky and satisfying.
- Medium shrimp (1 1/2 pounds): Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and easy eating, shrimp is the star that soaks up all the buttery garlic goodness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning is key to enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp and rounding out the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (8 tablespoons): Divided use allows for a perfectly emulsified sauce and a buttery finish that makes the shrimp shine.
- Garlic cloves (5, minced): Provides that essential aromatic punch that transforms this dish into a flavor powerhouse.
- Chicken stock (1/4 cup): Adds depth and moisture, helping to create a light sauce that isn’t overpowering.
- Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Brightens the dish with acidity, balancing the richness and adding a fresh zing.
- Fresh parsley leaves (2 tablespoons, chopped): A pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by generously seasoning your peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is crucial because it unlocks the shrimp’s natural flavor and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Warm 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches, so they sear beautifully instead of steaming. Stir occasionally and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute or until fragrant. This step is where the kitchen starts to fill with that heady aroma that really makes you eager to dig in.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently until it reduces by half, roughly 1 to 2 minutes. This reduction intensifies the flavors and starts to form the base of your sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate Remaining Butter
Slowly stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, adding it one tablespoon at a time. This technique helps create a silky, smooth, and rich sauce that clings perfectly to the shrimp.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the luscious garlic butter sauce until everything is evenly coated and heated through. This final toss ensures each shrimp is bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Plate your shrimp right away for the best texture and taste. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves if you like, and prepare to enjoy one of the simplest, most satisfying dishes you’ll make all week.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the star garnish here, adding a burst of vibrant green that not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a light herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. A lemon wedge on the side is perfect for squeezing over to give an extra zingy boost just before eating.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the buttery sauce beautifully, while a simple garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner or special occasion, serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp atop creamy polenta or tossed with angel hair pasta for a pasta primavera twist. You can even stuff the shrimp and sauce into warm pita pockets with a little shredded lettuce and tomato for a delightful sandwich that’s both creative and irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, but the shrimp are best eaten fresh because they can overcook easily on reheating.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp cooked in butter sauce is not usually recommended because the texture can become rubbery and the sauce might separate. If you must freeze, do so before adding the butter sauce by freezing the cooked shrimp separately, but for best results, enjoy this dish fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to help loosen the sauce. Be careful to avoid high heat to prevent the shrimp from turning tough. A quick 2 to 3 minutes should do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry so they sear nicely instead of steaming. Fresh or thawed shrimp will work beautifully in this recipe.
What can I substitute for chicken stock?
If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can be used. The flavor might be slightly less rich, but the garlic butter and lemon will still shine through.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add some red pepper flakes or diced chili if you love a bit of heat to complement the buttery garlic flavors.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Shrimp cook very quickly – usually 2 to 3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque but still springy and tender. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough, so keep a close watch as you cook.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves meals that are quick, delicious, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that comes together effortlessly yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. So go ahead and try it — I promise it’ll become a staple in your cooking rotation because shrimp and garlic butter are just that amazing together.
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring even coating for optimal flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids & Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Finish Butter Sauce: Gradually stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, adding it one tablespoon at a time. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly and warm through.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp immediately and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use medium shrimp for best texture and cooking time.
- Make sure to cook the shrimp in batches to prevent steaming and to get a nice sear.
- Fresh lemon juice is key to balancing the richness of the butter sauce.
- Can be served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
