Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe in 15 Minutes

Garlic butter shrimp is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day; it envelops you in rich, buttery goodness while exploding with vibrant flavors. Imagine perfectly seared shrimp dancing in a garlic-infused butter pool, their golden exteriors glistening like tiny jewels as they await your fork’s embrace. The aroma wafting from the pan is enough to make anyone weak at the knees, conjuring memories of seaside dinners and laughter shared over plates piled high with these delectable morsels.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms any ordinary evening into something extraordinary. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy date night or impressing friends at a gathering, garlic butter shrimp promises to deliver smiles and satisfied bellies. Get ready to dive into an explosion of flavors that will have you reminiscing about this recipe long after the last bite.

I still remember the first time I made garlic butter shrimp for my family. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, and I was instantly dubbed “Chef Extraordinaire.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.

• Unsalted Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter to control the saltiness while allowing the garlic flavor to shine.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key; it releases incredible aromas when sautéed.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice simply won’t cut it.

• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s freshness.

• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch gives a pleasant kick; adjust according to your spice tolerance.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve that golden crust when cooking.

Melt That Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles invitingly. The aroma will start teasing your senses.

Add Garlic Goodness: Toss in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned—nobody likes bitter garlic!

Sauté Shrimp Perfectly: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Resist the urge to overcrowd; let each piece shine.

Season and Zest Up: Squeeze in the juice of one lemon while sprinkling salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over the shrimp. Stir gently to coat everything evenly—you’re almost there!

Garnish Like a Pro!: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your garlicky masterpiece before serving. Enjoy the colorful contrast against that luscious sauce!

Now that you’ve mastered how to create this mouthwatering dish, feel free to experiment! Serve it over pasta or alongside some crusty bread for maximum enjoyment—because who doesn’t love sopping up that buttery goodness?

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by melting the garlic in butter first, then add shrimp for even cooking and flavor infusion. This ensures each shrimp gets that rich, buttery goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out garlic for shallots or add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance flavor, making your dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain texture without overcooking the shrimp.

Sometimes, while cooking garlic butter shrimp, I reminisce about my first attempt at impressing a date with this dish. Spoiler alert: it worked!

FAQ

What type of shrimp should I use for garlic butter shrimp?

Fresh or frozen large shrimp are ideal, as they hold up well during cooking.

Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare it an hour prior and keep warm.

What sides pair well with garlic butter shrimp?

Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This recipe offers the perfect balance of savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for any occasion—from intimate dinners to festive gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone wanting more. In under 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked shrimp enveloped in a luscious sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp to ensure they sear well.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, try adding shallots or other herbs like basil or cilantro. Pair your garlic butter shrimp with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.