Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp! This crowd-pleaser is equal parts luxurious and speedy, boasting plump, juicy shrimp bathed in silky, garlicky butter with a splash of fresh lemon. Whether you need a showstopper for your next dinner party or a quick weekday comfort dish, Garlic Butter Shrimp never misses the mark. It’s one of those rare recipes that truly bridges the gap between impressive and effortless, making it a staple you’ll crave on repeat.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen with intention, blending together to let the shrimp shine while layering in deep, buttery flavor and a pop of lemony freshness. Gather these up and prepare to let simple magic happen in one skillet!

Shrimp (1 lb., 16-20 count): Look for large, raw shrimp—peeled and deveined for convenience and texture.
Butter (5 Tbsp., divided): This creamy base envelops the shrimp in rich, savory goodness as well as helps the garlic release its perfume.
Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): Fresh garlic is essential for that knockout aroma and punchy flavor.
Lemon Juice (2 tsp., freshly squeezed): A squeeze of lemon wakes up all the flavors and keeps things bright.
Lemon Zest (1 tsp.): Don’t skip the zest; it infuses the dish with zippy citrus oils.
Salt (½ tsp. or to taste): Salt sharpens every note of flavor and keeps the butter balanced instead of flat.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp. or to taste): A hint of pepper gives just the right bite.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼-½ tsp., optional): For those who like a little heat with their garlic, these are perfect.
Parsley (finely chopped, for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note right before serving.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Begin by ensuring your shrimp are peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for a lovely presentation or remove them if preferred. Patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel is key here, as it helps them develop that sought-after golden sear instead of steaming in the pan. This simple step makes all the difference in achieving restaurant-worthy Garlic Butter Shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Set a large non-stick or stainless steel skillet over medium heat and add in 2 tablespoons of butter. As the butter melts into a bubbly pool, arrange the shrimp in a single layer—resist the urge to crowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until they just begin to curl and turn opaque. Flip each shrimp carefully, cooking for another 2 minutes; they’ll finish cooking through but stay tender. Cooking shrimp too long is the enemy of succulence, so keep a watchful eye!

Step 3: Add the Butter and Garlic

Push the just-cooked shrimp to the outer edge of the skillet, forming a well in the center. Add the remaining butter, letting it melt and foam up a bit. Toss in the minced garlic—it should immediately sizzle and release that unmistakable fragrance. Stir and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is golden but not brown. This is the heart of your Garlic Butter Shrimp, so let the aroma take over your kitchen!

Step 4: Season and Finish

Now, take the skillet off the heat and shower in the fresh lemon juice, zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you crave a little spark. Quickly swirl everything together so the shrimp are thoroughly coated in the creamy, tangy butter-garlic sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for best results—you want that butter sauce still bubbling when it hits the table!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garnishes

Amp up the wow factor with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley, a little flourish of extra lemon zest, or even a few paper-thin lemon slices arranged on the platter. These bright and herbal finishing touches not only make your Garlic Butter Shrimp eye-catching but add layers of freshness and zing with every bite.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp is how easily it pairs with so many sides! Serve over steaming white jasmine rice, fluffy couscous, or buttery orzo to soak up all the luscious sauce. It’s also right at home atop garlicky pasta or twirled into angel hair for a dreamy dinner. For something lighter, partner with a big green salad, roasted asparagus, or blanched broccolini.

Creative Ways to Present

Stretch your creativity by turning Garlic Butter Shrimp into elegant appetizer spoons for a party, pile it onto toasted crusty baguette slices for memorable shrimp bruschetta, or use it as the star ingredient in tacos with a crisp slaw and creamy avocado. The garlic-butter sauce doubles beautifully as a dip—perfect with hunks of sourdough on the side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Garlic Butter Shrimp left, cool them completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to include all that precious buttery sauce for easy reheating.

Freezing

While shrimp technically can be frozen once cooked, Garlic Butter Shrimp is truly at its best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, making the shrimp more rubbery and the sauce prone to separating. If you must freeze, do so for up to one month in a tightly sealed container, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp, add everything (shrimp and sauce) back to a skillet over low heat. Stir gently until just warmed through—avoid high heat or microwaving, which can toughen the shrimp. A splash of fresh lemon juice right at the end will revive any lost brightness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work great. Just make sure they’ve been fully thawed, patted dry, and drained of excess moisture before cooking so you still achieve a lovely sear instead of steaming them.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked shrimp?

For best flavor and texture, start with raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery if reheated in the skillet and won’t soak up the garlic butter sauce as deeply, but you can gently warm them if that’s all you have on hand.

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute a good quality vegan butter or a combination of olive oil and a touch of coconut oil. The flavor will change a bit, but you’ll still have a delicious, garlicky shrimp dish.

What’s the best pan to use?

A large non-stick or stainless steel skillet is ideal for this recipe. Make sure it’s big enough so the shrimp can cook in a single layer and aren’t crowded—this helps you get the perfect sear and even cooking.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are cooked through when they turn from transparent gray to opaque pinkish-white and their tails curl into a C shape. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough in a matter of seconds!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy as it is unforgettable, you can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Shrimp. This recipe brings bold flavor, versatility, and a bit of elegance to your table, no matter the occasion. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new weeknight (or special occasion) go-to!