Name: Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

This garlic butter shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish that’s rich, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer. I love how the shrimp soak up every bit of that buttery garlic sauce, making it irresistible with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread. Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always come back to this recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet tastes like something from a fancy restaurant. The combination of garlic and butter never fails, and shrimp cook so quickly that dinner comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, in tacos, or as a protein-packed side. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—just one pan and done.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

I start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I melt butter and olive oil together.
I sauté the garlic until fragrant—this usually takes about 30 seconds.
Then I add the shrimp and cook them for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
I squeeze in fresh lemon juice and toss the shrimp to coat in the garlic butter.
I finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and, if I want a bit of heat, some red pepper flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes approximately 15 minutes from start to finish. That includes 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I sometimes add a splash of white wine to the skillet before the shrimp go in for extra depth. If I’m serving it over pasta, I reserve some pasta water and stir it into the garlic butter for a silky sauce. I also enjoy tossing in halved cherry tomatoes or spinach for a fresh twist. Want it creamier? A tablespoon of heavy cream added at the end does the trick.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of extra butter to prevent drying out. I avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?

I look for them to turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will be too tight and tough, so I keep an eye on them and cook only until just opaque.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I can use frozen shrimp as long as I thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What size shrimp works best?

I like using medium to large shrimp for this recipe. They cook evenly and hold up well in the butter sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, I substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or use all olive oil. It’s still delicious, though slightly less rich.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?

I usually pair it with pasta, rice, or garlic bread. For a low-carb option, I go with zucchini noodles or a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

Garlic butter shrimp is one of those dishes I rely on when I want maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s fast, foolproof, and full of bright, buttery flavor that keeps me coming back for more. Whether it’s for a quiet night in or to impress guests, this dish always hits the spot.