Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Looking for a simple yet delicious meal that will leave your taste buds dancing? Garlic butter shrimp is the perfect dish for those days when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
This easy-to-make recipe is packed with rich, buttery goodness and the perfect amount of garlic, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or need a quick weeknight meal, this dish will never disappoint.
The best part? It only takes a few minutes to prepare, but it tastes like you spent hours cooking. The juicy shrimp soak up the savory garlic butter, creating a mouthwatering combination that pairs well with almost anything.
Serve it with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or just enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
And if you’re in the mood for a seasonal twist, garlic butter shrimp is an excellent dish for a warm summer evening or a cozy fall dinner.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp
- What makes garlic butter shrimp such a favorite? It’s all about the flavors! The rich, creamy butter combined with the taste of garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Plus, it’s a versatile dish – you can serve it as a main course, over pasta, or with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s a meal that’s full of flavor, yet quick and easy to make.
- Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also healthy!
- Shrimp is packed with protein and low in calories, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal.
- The garlic adds health benefits too, from boosting your immune system to improving heart health. It’s a simple, tasty way to enjoy a nourishing meal without the fuss.
Ingredient List
To make garlic butter shrimp, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a hint of tang)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
This simple ingredient list ensures you get a flavorful dish without much prep work. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, garlic butter shrimp is an easy win.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this garlic butter shrimp, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large skillet or frying pan: A wide pan will help you cook the shrimp evenly and give them space to sear.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring the garlic and butter without damaging your pan.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon: Handy for flipping and removing the shrimp from the pan.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic, parsley, and any other ingredients.
- Garlic press (optional): If you have one, it will make mincing garlic a breeze.
Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the shrimp:
- Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This will help them cook faster and get a nice sear.
- Season with a little salt and pepper.
2. Cook the shrimp:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same pan, add the butter. Once it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. Combine:
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley, and stir to coat the shrimp evenly.
5. Serve:
- Serve the shrimp hot with your favorite side dish or enjoy it on its own.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
More Recipes >>>>>> Italian Spaghetti Meatballs Recipe

Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking them will make them tough. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic will give your dish a much better flavor than pre-minced or jarred garlic. If you want extra flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the butter.
- Customize the sauce: You can easily tweak the sauce to your liking. Add more lemon juice for a citrusy kick, or toss in a handful of grated parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Keep the heat medium-high: This ensures the shrimp sear properly without overcooking. A hot pan helps to seal in the juices and flavor.
- Serve with bread: Don’t forget to serve garlic butter shrimp with a side of crusty bread to dip in the garlic butter sauce. It’s the perfect way to enjoy every last bit!
By following these tips, you’ll create a perfect batch of garlic butter shrimp that’s sure to impress!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
If you’re missing some ingredients or want to get creative, here are some easy substitutions and variations:
- Shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with other seafood like scallops, or even chicken breast or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
- Butter: For a healthier option, you can replace the butter with olive oil or avocado oil for a lighter version.
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Lemon juice: If you prefer a different citrus flavor, try lime juice or orange juice for a unique twist.
- Parsley: Fresh basil or cilantro can be used as alternatives to parsley for a different herb flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: If you like heat, add a bit of cayenne pepper or freshly chopped chili for extra spice.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic butter shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Over pasta: Serve the shrimp over a bed of spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for a classic pairing. You can even toss it with a bit of extra garlic butter sauce for a richer dish.
- With rice: Serve the shrimp with a side of steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- With vegetables: Pair it with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli, for a well-rounded meal.
- On a salad: Top a fresh garden salad with the garlic butter shrimp for a light, refreshing meal.
- With bread: Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for soaking up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
More Recipes >>>>> Cajun Shrimp And Rice Skillet

Storage and Reheating Instructions
Garlic butter shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later:
- Storage: Place the leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over low heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil to prevent them from drying out.
- Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals (about 30 seconds), but be careful not to overcook them.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a bowl of cold water for quicker defrosting.
- Can I make this dish without butter? You can replace the butter with olive oil or any other cooking oil for a lighter version. However, the butter adds a rich flavor, so it might taste a little different without it.
- Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just sauté the shrimp and toss them in the pre-made sauce.
- Is garlic butter shrimp gluten-free? Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as you serve it with a gluten-free side like rice or vegetables.
- Can I add vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! You can sauté vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the same pan before adding the shrimp, or serve the shrimp with a side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Did you give this garlic butter shrimp recipe a try? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts.
Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me @tasiahub on Instagram – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!

Garlic Butter Shrimp
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Garlic Press Optional
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional, for a hint of tang
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy feel
Instructions
Prepare the shrimp:
- Start by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This will help them cook faster and get a nice sear.
- Season with a little salt and pepper.
Cook the shrimp:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same pan, add the butter.
- Once it melts, throw in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Combine:
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley, and stir to coat the shrimp evenly.
Serve:
- Serve the shrimp hot with your favorite side dish or enjoy it on its own.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: 300–350 calories
- Protein: 25–30 grams
- Fat: 20–25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7–10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5–7 grams
- Fiber: 0–1 grams
- Sugars: 0–1 grams
- Cholesterol: 150–200 mg
- Sodium: 600–800 mg
- Vitamin C: 6–8%
- Calcium: 4–6%
- Iron: 6–8%
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.