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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

5 from 116 reviews

This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich buttery garlic sauce, finished with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, flavorful dish. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 lb. shrimp (1620 count, peeled and deveined)

Butter Garlic Sauce

  • 5 Tbsp. butter (divided)
  • 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp. lemon zest
  • ½ tsp. salt (to taste)
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼½ tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Parsley (finely chopped, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if they haven’t been already. Remove the tails or keep them on, depending on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture to ensure even cooking.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Once melted, place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are pink and slightly browned. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes until almost fully cooked through—the shrimp will turn opaque and their tails will begin to curl.
  3. Add the Butter and Garlic: Make a well in the center of the skillet and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly browned, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  4. Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly. Serve immediately garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Serve this shrimp with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside pasta for a complete meal.
  • Butter browns quickly; monitor the heat to prevent burning the garlic.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp, shrimp recipe, easy shrimp dinner, garlic shrimp, quick seafood recipe