Oh my gosh, garlic butter shrimp is my absolute go-to when I need something delicious FAST. I’m talking 15 minutes from fridge to table – no joke! The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe something so simple could taste so incredible. That golden butter bubbling with minced garlic, those plump shrimp soaking up all that flavor… trust me, your kitchen will smell like a fancy seafood restaurant.
Here’s my little secret – the trick is in the timing. Shrimp cook in a flash, so you’ve got to stay right by that skillet. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. After making this weekly for years (my husband begs for it!), I’ve got all the little tricks down pat. Whether you’re cooking for date night or just treating yourself, this garlic butter shrimp recipe never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Listen, I know you’re going to adore this recipe as much as I do – here’s why:
- Lightning fast: We’re talking dinner ready before you can say “takeout menu”
- Foolproof: Even if you burn toast regularly, you can nail this
- Restaurant-worthy: That garlic butter sauce? Pure magic on shrimp
- Healthy-ish: Packed with protein and way lighter than heavy pasta dishes
- Endlessly adaptable: Toss it over pasta, rice, or just grab some crusty bread
Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes – quick, delicious, and impressive enough for company. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Okay, let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients – this is where the magic starts! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 lb large shrimp – peeled and deveined (trust me, do this first unless you like picking shells!)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter – the real deal, none of that margarine nonsense
- 4 cloves garlic – minced nice and fine (more if you’re garlic-obsessed like me)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – fresh squeezed makes all the difference
- 1/4 tsp salt – I use kosher, but any will do
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you can
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped at the last minute for that bright green pop
See? Nothing fancy, just good ingredients treated right. Now let’s make some magic!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t stress – you probably have everything already! Here’s what’ll make your garlic butter shrimp adventure smooth sailing:
- A good skillet – my trusty cast-iron works magic, but any heavy pan will do
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for swirling that gorgeous garlic butter
- Measuring spoons – eyeballing works, but precision makes perfect
- Knife & cutting board – for mincing garlic (or cheat with a press like I sometimes do!)
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required! Now let’s get cooking.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff! Making garlic butter shrimp is easier than you think, but timing is everything. Follow these steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp in minutes. I promise, once you smell that garlic hitting the butter, you’ll be hooked!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
First things first – grab your skillet and set it over medium heat. Not too hot! We want the butter to melt gently without browning too much. Toss in those 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt until it’s just starting to bubble. That’s your cue that it’s ready for the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Now the fun begins! Add your minced garlic to the melted butter and stir constantly for about 30 seconds. Seriously, set a timer if you need to – burnt garlic is bitter and sad. You’ll know it’s perfect when your kitchen smells like heaven and the garlic is just turning golden.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Time for the star of the show! Add your shrimp in a single layer (don’t crowd them!) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn that perfect pink color and curl into little “C” shapes. Pro tip: If they form “O”s, they’re overcooked!
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Almost there! Take the skillet off the heat and stir in that fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon brightens everything up and the parsley adds that fresh pop of color. Give it one quick stir and you’re done – simple as that!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
Okay, let me share all my hard-earned garlic butter shrimp wisdom with you! First – fresh shrimp is non-negotiable. That frozen stuff just won’t give you the same sweet, plump texture. And here’s my golden rule: don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed – shrimp need space to get that perfect sear. Taste the sauce before serving and don’t be shy with extra lemon or salt if it needs it. Oh, and that garlic? Add it in the last 30 seconds of butter melting to prevent burning. These little tricks make all the difference between good shrimp and “oh wow” shrimp!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Oh, the possibilities! My favorite way to serve garlic butter shrimp is with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that glorious sauce – trust me, you’ll want to lick the plate! For heartier meals, toss it with pasta or over rice. Feeling fancy? Pair it with a simple green salad for the perfect light dinner. Leftovers (if you have any!) make killer shrimp tacos the next day.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, go low and slow – microwave at 50% power or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water. Whatever you do, don’t nuke it on high or you’ll end up with sad, rubbery shrimp!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, these are the good kind! One serving (about 1/4 lb shrimp with sauce) comes in around 220 calories, with 20g protein to keep you full. There’s about 14g fat (mostly from that glorious butter), but go easy on guilt – shrimp give you great nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. Remember, exact numbers can vary based on your shrimp size and how much sauce you use. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water first. Pat them really dry with paper towels before cooking – that’s key for getting a nice sear instead of a watery mess.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Look for two signs: they’ll turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. If they form tight “O”s, they’re overdone. And timing is everything – set a timer for 2-3 minutes per side!
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries! Try fresh basil or chives instead, or skip it entirely. The garlic butter sauce still tastes amazing on its own. But honestly? Parsley’s cheap and lasts forever in the fridge – I always keep some on hand.
Can I make this garlic butter sauce for pasta?
Oh honey, you’re speaking my language! Double the sauce ingredients and toss with linguine for the easiest shrimp scampi of your life. Top with extra parsley and lemon zest – heaven!
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my foolproof garlic butter shrimp that’s saved countless weeknights and impressed plenty of dinner guests! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own. Drop me a comment when you do – I’d love to hear how it turns out. Now go grab that skillet and get cooking! For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, be sure to check out my Pinterest page.
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15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp That’ll Blow Your Mind
- Total Time: 11 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 lb shrimp
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, quick dinner
