Description
Shrimp lovers, prepare to elevate your dinner menu with the irresistible flavors of garlic butter shrimp a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main course, or tossing it over pasta, rice, or salad, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its rich, buttery base and the bold aroma of fresh garlic. Dive into a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off based on preference
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing moisture helps ensure a good sear when cooking.
- Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated. If you’re using red pepper flakes for a kick, mix them in here.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Stir in the lemon juice and simmer for 1 minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Pair with angel hair pasta tossed in the same garlic butter sauce for a satisfying meal.
- Use ghee or dairy-free butter alternatives for a lactose-free version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 6 oz cooked shrimp)
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 215mg