Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp: Your Quick & Easy Weeknight Meal Solution

Imagine tender, juicy shrimp infused with the rich, savory aroma of garlic and butter, cooked to perfection in mere minutes. This isn’t a culinary dream; it’s the reality of our irresistible garlic butter shrimp recipe. It’s the ultimate answer to those busy weeknights when you crave a gourmet meal without the fuss.

Say goodbye to bland dinners and hello to a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is not just about speed; it’s about achieving that delicate balance of perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp, bathed in a fragrant, golden garlic butter sauce that you’ll want to sop up with everything.

Get ready to discover the secrets to preparing shrimp that are plump, tender, and never rubbery. We’ll guide you through the simple visual cues that guarantee a flawless result every time, making this one of the easiest and most rewarding seafood recipes you’ll ever master.

Why Our Garlic Butter Shrimp is Your Next Favorite Meal

When it comes to seafood, shrimp often feels like a special occasion dish. But what if we told you that one of the most delightful and impressive shrimp dishes can be yours in less than 15 minutes from start to finish? This garlic butter shrimp recipe is truly in a league of its own, blending incredible flavor with unparalleled ease and speed.

Unbeatable Speed and Simplicity

Our recipe for garlic butter shrimp stands out as one of the easiest shrimp recipes you’ll ever encounter. Forget complicated marinades or lengthy cooking times. The magic happens in a single pan, transforming raw shrimp into a succulent masterpiece with minimal effort. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence, or for spontaneous gatherings where you want to impress without stress.

Achieve Perfect Texture Every Time

The secret to truly amazing shrimp lies in its texture. Overcooked shrimp can quickly turn rubbery and tough, a culinary disappointment we aim to avoid at all costs! Our method focuses on precise timing and visual cues, ensuring your shrimp emerge from the pan perfectly plump, tender, and buttery soft. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to prevent overcooking, so you can confidently achieve that restaurant-quality texture in your own kitchen. It’s a simple technique that yields profoundly delicious results, guaranteeing a truly enjoyable eating experience.

Rich, Aromatic Flavor Profile

Beyond its simplicity, the taste of this garlic butter shrimp is simply divine. Fresh, high-quality shrimp acts as the perfect canvas for a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. The butter is slowly infused with thinly sliced garlic, allowing its sweet, pungent notes to develop fully before the shrimp even touches the pan. This creates a deeply flavorful coating that permeates every bite, making the shrimp incredibly juicy and fragrant. A touch of salt enhances these natural flavors, creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and sophisticated.

How to Master the Art of Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking succulent garlic butter shrimp is simpler than you might think. With just a few key steps and a keen eye on the cooking process, you’ll achieve perfection every time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you even turn on the stove, ensure your shrimp are prepped. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels. Peel and devein them, leaving the tails on for presentation if desired, or remove them for easier eating. Slice your garlic thinly – this allows for maximum flavor infusion into the butter.
2. Infuse the Butter with Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add your sliced garlic. Sauté the garlic gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. The goal here is to infuse the butter with the rich garlic flavor without burning the garlic, which can turn bitter. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching.
3. Add and Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot pan. Avoid overcrowding, as this can steam the shrimp instead of searing them, leading to a less desirable texture. Cook the shrimp for approximately 1 minute on the first side. During this time, you’ll notice them beginning to change color and turn opaque around the edges.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking: After the first minute, flip each shrimp to the other side. Continue to cook for another minute, or until they are just opaque and have turned a beautiful pink color all over. At this point, they should curl into a gentle ‘C’ shape. This ‘C’ shape is your ultimate visual cue for perfectly cooked shrimp – if they form a tight ‘O’ shape, they’ve likely been overcooked and will be rubbery.
5. Season and Serve: Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of salt over the shrimp and give them a quick stir to ensure even seasoning. Cook for just another 30 seconds to a minute, if needed, making sure all sides are fully opaque and pink. Immediately remove the pan from the heat to prevent any further cooking. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve hot!

Versatile Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Butter Shrimp

This quick garlic butter shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile, making it your ultimate go-to weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, a light lunch, or an impressive appetizer, these flavorful shrimp fit the bill perfectly.

• Classic Pasta Pairing: One of the most popular ways to enjoy garlic butter shrimp is over a bed of pasta. Angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine tossed with a little extra butter sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice creates a complete and utterly satisfying meal. The delicate strands of pasta soak up all the incredible flavors, making every forkful a delight.
• Simple Rice Bowl: For a gluten-free option or a different texture, serve your shrimp alongside fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. The rice provides a neutral base that perfectly complements the rich garlic butter.
• Crusty Bread for Dipping: Don’t let a single drop of that delicious garlic butter go to waste! Serve with warm, crusty artisan bread or a baguette for dipping. It’s an excellent way to savor every last bit of the savory sauce.
• Healthy Vegetable Medley: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or zucchini for a lighter, nutrient-packed meal. The shrimp’s robust flavor will elevate any vegetable side.
• Fresh Salad Topping: Cool the shrimp slightly and add them to a fresh green salad for a quick and healthy lunch. A light vinaigrette will complement the garlicky notes beautifully.
• Effortless Appetizer: Double the batch and serve these plump shrimp with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, parties, or any casual get-together. They disappear fast!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For perfectly seared shrimp, ensure they are in a single layer without overlapping. If you’re cooking a large batch, work in two smaller batches to prevent steaming.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from searing properly and getting that lovely pink hue. Always pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: Both work! If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry. Fresh shrimp usually offer a slightly better texture.
• Quality of Butter: Using good quality unsalted butter will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of your sauce.
• Consider Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish to the dish.
• Spice it Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in the butter infusion step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Shrimp

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

While you can, we highly recommend using raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery very quickly when reheated, losing their delicate texture. If you must use pre-cooked, warm them gently in the garlic butter for less than 30 seconds, just enough to heat through.

How do I store leftover garlic butter shrimp?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook them.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What size shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count per pound or larger) work best as they are less prone to overcooking and provide a substantial bite. Smaller shrimp will cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Rating: 4.50 from 2 votes

Garlic Butter Shrimp

By Shinee Davaakhuu

Plump, succulent shrimp sautéed in an aromatic garlic butter – perfect dinner in minutes. It’s also perfect for snacking!

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 5 mins

Total: 10 mins

Servings: 3-4 servings

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Ingredients

• 1 lb large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
• Angel hair pasta, cooked according to box directions, for serving

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until nice and fragrant. (TIP: Don’t let the garlic burn. If garlic slices start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat!)
3. Add shrimp in one layer and cook for about 1 minute, or until they just turn opaque and pink. Then flip them and cook for another minute.
4. Sprinkle salt and cook for another minute or so, until all shrimp are opaque and pink, stirring frequently. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become tough and chewy.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with pasta, or as an appetizer.

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Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 9g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1245mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

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This recipe was originally published on September 12th, 2017, and last updated on April 28th, 2020.