Butter Garlic Shrimp Delight

This Butter Garlic Shrimp recipe brings juicy, tender shrimp cooked in golden butter and fresh garlic straight to your table in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect whether you want a quick weeknight meal, a flavorful appetizer, or a versatile dish to toss with pasta or rice. The aroma of sizzling garlic in melted butter makes this simple dish unforgettable and is sure to draw everyone in.

I first made this dish on a hectic weeknight when I had almost no time to cook but wanted something special. Everyone loved it so much that it has become a regular request in my house ever since.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined the star ingredient with sweet, briny flavor and juicy texture. Choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp fully thawed for best results
• Butter: adds richness and creates a silky smooth sauce that coats each shrimp perfectly
• Freshly minced garlic: delivers the bold aromatic punch that pairs beautifully with seafood
• Olive oil: protects the butter from burning and provides a balanced fat base for cooking
• Paprika or smoked paprika: brings color and a warm subtle spice note to the dish
• Fresh or dried parsley: brightens the dish visually and adds a gentle herbal freshness
• Salt and pepper: essential seasonings that bring out the depth of every flavor
• Lemon juice: optional but highly recommended for a tangy contrast that lifts the buttery garlic sauce

How To Make the Butter Garlic Shrimp

Prep the Shrimp:

Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels to avoid steaming then season them evenly with salt pepper and a bit of paprika. Let them rest briefly while you prepare the pan.

Infuse the Butter:

Melt butter with a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until it becomes fragrant about one minute taking care not to burn it.

Cook the Shrimp:

Place shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Cook about two minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque making sure not to crowd the pan so they sear nicely.

Toss and Finish:

Sprinkle parsley over the shrimp add a squeeze of lemon juice if using and toss gently to coat everything with the buttery garlic sauce.

Serve Hot:

Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their tender best.

Bookmark

I love how the garlic butter envelops each shrimp creating an irresistible flavor. One of my favorite memories is sharing this dish with friends at a casual summer gathering where the conversation flowed as smoothly as the butter sauce. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and makes seafood feel accessible and special.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating use a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of broth or butter to keep the shrimp moist and tender. Avoid microwave heating as it tends to dry out and toughen shrimp.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap parsley for cilantro or basil to change the flavor profile. Smoked paprika can be replaced with regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder for some heat. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over angel hair pasta or fluffy white rice to soak up the buttery garlic sauce. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping and enjoying every last drop. For a twist try adding the shrimp to tacos or wraps with a crunchy fresh slaw for added texture.

Pro Tips

• Be sure to pat shrimp dry thoroughly before cooking for a perfect sear without steaming
• Don’t overcrowd the pan lest shrimp steam and lose their crisp edges and texture
• Add lemon juice at the end to brighten and balance the richness just before serving

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Watch for shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly; this indicates they are perfectly cooked and still tender.

→ Is it okay to use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, but ensure shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear.

→ What size shrimp works best for this preparation?

Medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp cook evenly and retain a juicy texture with this method.

→ Can garlic powder replace fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic provides the most vibrant aroma and flavor, though about half a teaspoon of garlic powder can be a suitable substitute in a pinch.

→ Is there a way to add heat to this dish?

Absolutely, incorporate red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce a spicy kick.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or butter to keep shrimp moist and flavorful.