Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic Butter Shrimp for Busy Nights

When we need a dinner that feels special but takes very little effort, garlic butter shrimp is always at the top of our list. It is fast, flavorful, and made with ingredients we usually have on hand. The combination of melted butter, fresh garlic, and bright lemon comes together in minutes making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or anytime we want something simple and delicious.

We also love how easy it is to customize. Shrimp cook very quickly.  So, you can build a full meal around them without a lot of prep. Serve them with pasta, rice, vegetables, or spoon them over a salad. The garlic butter sauce works with almost anything and adds comfort and richness without feeling heavy.

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe keeps things simple. A few basic ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.

• Shrimp for a quick cooking protein

• Butter to create a silky base

• Olive oil to help prevent burning

• Fresh garlic for bold flavor

• Lemon for brightness

• Seasonings including smoked paprika, salt, pepper and optional red pepper flakes

• Parsley for color and freshness

Everything cooks in one skillet.  Who doesn’t love easy cleanup and very little fuss?

How the Cooking Process Works

Shrimp only need a few minutes to cook.  The key to this recipe is building the garlic butter sauce first. Butter and oil heat together so the garlic can soften without scorching. When the shrimp go into the pan, they turn pink and opaque very quickly. A squeeze of lemon adds freshness and helps balance the richness of the butter.

Once everything is cooked, parsley brings a final touch of color. The entire dish is ready far faster than most dinners, and the flavor payoff is huge.

Serving Ideas

There are so many ways to serve garlic butter shrimp.  Depending on what you enjoy –

• Toss with pasta and extra garlic butter sauce

• Spoon over rice or quinoa

• Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables

• Add to tacos with shredded cabbage and lime

• Top a leafy green salad for a quick protein boost

These shrimp are incredibly flexible which is why we love keeping this recipe in regular rotation.

Helpful Tips

• Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook very fast and stay tender if removed from heat right away.

• Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning. This helps them sear properly.

• Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor.

• Lemon brightens the dish and keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Small steps like these create the best results every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Garlic butter shrimp is best served right away, but a few pieces can be prepped ahead:

• Peel and devein the shrimp earlier in the day

• Zest the lemon in advance

Leftovers keep for two days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently so the shrimp stay tender.

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Garlic Butter Shrimp, here are a few more recipes you may like:

• Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe – A flavorful noodle dish loaded with shrimp and fresh vegetables.

• Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa – A protein-packed dish with bright flavor and simple ingredients.

• Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon – Sweet, tangy and perfect for quick weeknight meals.

• Cocktail Sauce Recipe – A simple homemade sauce that pairs perfectly with shrimp.

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a simple meal that delivers impressive flavor in very little time. It works for both easy weeknights and special occasions.  In addition, it can be served in so many ways. We hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen the way it is in ours.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce for a quick and flavorful meal ready in minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

• Large Skillet used to sauté the shrimp and create the garlic butter sauce
• Tongs used to flip and handle the shrimp

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter melts and begins to bubble.
• Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring so it does not burn.
• Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the butter melts into a smooth sauce.
• Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Add a splash of white wine when adding the garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
• This shrimp is delicious served over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
• For a lighter option, spoon the shrimp over a large salad or zucchini noodles.
• Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Keyword shrimp

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!