Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich butter sauce flavored with garlic, making them tender and full of flavor. Perfect for a simple weeknight meal.
I love how fast this cooks—I can have dinner ready in just minutes! Sometimes I squeeze a little lemon on top for a fresh touch.
For a fuller meal, I serve these shrimp over pasta or steamed vegetables. It’s easy, healthy, and everyone always asks for seconds!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: I usually use fresh garlic because it gives the best flavor and aroma. If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic works well, but use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated. Fresh garlic really makes a difference!
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. For dairy-free versions, you can try margarine or olive oil, but butter adds a creamy richness that’s hard to replace. Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
Shrimp: Use large, peeled, deveined shrimp for easy eating. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work equally well. If you prefer a lighter dish, try cooked chicken tenders as a substitute. Just note that cooking times may vary.
Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If fresh lemon isn’t available, bottled lemon juice is fine—just use a little less since it’s more concentrated and less tangy. It really enhances the flavor!
How do I perfectly cook shrimp without overdoing it?
First, cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery quickly. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they are cooked through. They cook fast, so don’t walk away!
- Start with hot pan and butter to help shrimp cook evenly.
- Add shrimp in a single layer so they cook uniformly.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
10 minutes prep + 10 minutes cook = 20 minutes total
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Melt the Butter
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
4. Add Flavor
Stir in lemon juice and paprika. Cook for another minute to combine flavors.
5. Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with rice or bread.
