Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of the quickest and most flavorful dishes you can prepare at home. It requires only a handful of simple ingredients, cooks in minutes, and works perfectly as a main course, appetizer, or topping for pasta, rice, or salad. This recipe delivers juicy, tender shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that enhances natural seafood sweetness. Ideal for busy weeknights and elegant enough for special occasions, this dish stays consistently popular among home cooks because of its speed, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to help them sear properly.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, vegetables, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs well with a wide range of sides, making it a highly versatile option for lunch or dinner. Serve it over linguine or fettuccine for a simple shrimp scampi–style pasta, or spoon it over white rice, jasmine rice, or garlic mashed potatoes for a comfort-food meal. For a lighter alternative, add the shrimp to a fresh salad or serve alongside roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini. This recipe also works beautifully in tacos, wraps, and grain bowls.
Why This Recipe Is Popular
This dish remains a favorite among home cooks because it is effortless and uses ingredients most kitchens already have. Shrimp cook extremely fast, allowing you to prepare a full meal in under 15 minutes. The flavor profile—garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs—appeals to nearly everyone and complements the natural sweetness of seafood. Whether you are cooking for family, hosting guests, or preparing a quick weekday dinner, this recipe consistently delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal work.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp
Patting the shrimp dry is important for browning and achieving the ideal texture. Overcooking is the most common mistake with shrimp; they should be removed from heat as soon as they turn pink, as they continue to cook from residual heat. Using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder creates a deeper and more aromatic flavor. If you prefer a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes enhances the dish without overpowering the garlic butter sauce. For the richest flavor, use real butter, not margarine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.
Storage and Reheating
Garlic Butter Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days. Store them in an airtight container and reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the shrimp from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as this can make seafood rubbery. Leftovers can also be added cold to salads, wraps, and sandwiches.