Let me share one of my favorite weeknight recipes that never fails to impress. This Garlic Butter Shrimp comes together in just minutes, featuring plump shrimp swimming in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s the perfect combination of elegant and easy, making it ideal for both quick family dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This helps achieve a better sear and ensures the shrimp isn’t watery.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and slightly bubbling.
- Add half the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the pan, add red pepper flakes if using, and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp is heated through and well-coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Recipe Notes
- For the best results, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the shrimp. Working in batches ensures each piece gets a nice sear.
- Make sure your shrimp is completely thawed if using frozen. Simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or run under cold water for quick thawing.
- The sauce is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread, or you can serve it over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- If you’re not using wine, chicken broth makes an excellent substitute. You can also add a splash of cream at the end for an even richer sauce.
- Don’t skip patting the shrimp dry – this step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden sear.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
This Garlic Butter Shrimp comes together in just minutes, featuring plump shrimp swimming in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that's simply irresistible. It's the perfect combination of elegant and easy, making it ideal for both quick family dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This helps achieve a better sear and ensures the shrimp isn't watery.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and slightly bubbling.
- Add half the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the pan, add red pepper flakes if using, and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp is heated through and well-coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
