How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp – Simple, Quick & Delicious

There’s something magical about the combination of garlic and butter—add juicy shrimp to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-quality dish ready in minutes. This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is bound to impress without the stress.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp

Quick & Easy

This recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner guests.

Simple Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy—just a few pantry staples and fresh shrimp.

Elegant & Flavorful

Despite being simple, this dish feels luxurious. The butter and garlic create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’ll need:
• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely and prevents a watery sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika or chili flakes. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side until pink and opaque.

Step 4: Add Butter & Lemon

Lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the lemon juice. Stir gently until the butter melts into a rich sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:
• Steamed rice or garlic butter rice
• Angel hair pasta or linguine
• Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
• Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Use fresh or thawed shrimp – Avoid pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe; fresh or raw frozen shrimp provide the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook – Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking makes them rubbery.
• Play with flavors – Add a splash of white wine, a pinch of Italian seasoning, or a few red pepper flakes to change things up.
• Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone at the end for a creamy garlic butter sauce.

Variations You Can Try
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Add white wine and a bit of pasta for a classic scampi dish.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or asparagus during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos: Wrap them in warm tortillas with avocado and slaw for a fresh twist.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month, though texture may change slightly upon reheating.

To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp are a fantastic source of lean protein, essential vitamins (like B12 and D), and minerals like selenium and iodine. They’re also low in calories and carbs, making this dish ideal for keto or low-carb diets.

With butter and olive oil as the main fats, this dish provides a good balance of healthy fats without being overly heavy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Just double-check that your butter and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use ½ teaspoon garlic powder per clove.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, elegant, and full of flavor—and it only takes a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting dinner or cooking for yourself, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

So grab some shrimp, a few cloves of garlic, and your favorite skillet—and in just 15 minutes, you’ll be sitting down to one of the easiest gourmet meals you’ve ever made.