The Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is a dazzlingly simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your table in under 20 minutes. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp enveloped in a rich, velvety butter sauce infused with fragrant garlic and bright lemon—this recipe is pure comfort with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a stunning dish to impress your guests, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe has got you covered with its perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe. Each one plays its own vital role, adding layers of flavor, texture, or a pop of color that elevates the dish to something truly special. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through.
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor, providing just the right seasoning.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Creates a luxurious sauce that is rich and silky, key for that buttery coating.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): Adds pungent, aromatic depth and a mouthwatering fragrance that’s irresistible.
- 1/4 cup chicken stock: Introduces a savory base and helps lighten the butter sauce slightly without compromising richness.
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: A fresh, herbaceous finish that makes the dish pop with color and freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by seasoning your peeled and deveined shrimp generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is essential to build a flavorful foundation that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches so they cook evenly, stirring occasionally until they turn a perfect pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside—don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the remaining butter and sauté until fragrant—this only takes about a minute. This step is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly, and the garlic flavor begins developing the backbone for the sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring as the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, roughly 1 to 2 minutes. This intensifies the flavors and slightly thickens the base of the sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Butter Sauce
Gradually stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, one tablespoon at a time, until each addition melts completely and the sauce turns luxuriously smooth. This technique ensures a silky texture and beautiful sheen on the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the luscious garlic butter sauce, making sure every piece is fully coated and infused with all those gorgeous flavors.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve the shrimp straight from the pan while it’s still warm, garnished with fresh parsley leaves for that extra hint of color and freshness that makes the dish truly pop.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a subtle herbal note that brightens the dish. For an extra layer of flavor, consider a light dusting of red pepper flakes or a few lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe pairs beautifully with a host of sides. Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that buttery garlic goodness. It also complements pasta perfectly—imagine tossing it with linguine or fettuccine. For a lighter approach, steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad offer a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the shrimp in a warm shallow bowl with the sauce spooned generously over the top. You can also skewer the shrimp for a party appetizer, drizzling the garlic butter sauce over them just before serving. Another fun idea is to pile the shrimp on toasted crostini for a fantastic garlic butter shrimp bruschetta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe, allow the shrimp to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will still taste delicious but are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce is possible but not ideal as the texture can become rubbery and the sauce might separate. If you must freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp slowly over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What can I substitute for chicken stock?
If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt works fine. Just make sure not to dilute the flavors too much to keep the sauce rich and tasty.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully, stirring constantly. Garlic cooks very quickly and can burn in seconds, which can turn the dish bitter.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped chili to give it a nice kick if you enjoy some heat.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Butter gives this recipe its signature richness and silky texture, but if you prefer, you can use olive oil for a lighter version. Just note that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe. It’s fast, simple, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that will quickly make it a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish promises to bring smiles and satisfy hungry appetites every time. Go ahead, treat yourself to this easy yet elegant seafood delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe features succulent medium shrimp cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick and elegant meal, this dish combines tender shrimp with a buttery, garlicky sauce enhanced by fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Cook Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Stir occasionally for even cooking, then set the cooked shrimp aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the remaining pan fat and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to let it burn.
- Add Liquids and Reduce: Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, approximately 1-2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Butter: Gradually stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, adding one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce is melted and smooth, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Combine Shrimp with Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring they are thoroughly coated without breaking them apart.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, add crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to make a complete meal.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- Use fresh lemon juice to enhance brightness and flavor.
