This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a restaurant-quality dish you can make in under 15 minutes! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a splash of lemon for brightness. It’s perfect as a main course, appetizer, or over pasta, rice, or zoodles for a complete meal.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Small bowl for seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen both work — just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry.
- Butter: Use salted butter for flavor, or unsalted and adjust salt to taste.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness that balances the richness of the butter.
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp:
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. - Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat until melted and foamy. - Cook Shrimp:
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. - Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). - Combine:
Return shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Tips and Variations
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine before the lemon juice for a buttery scampi-style sauce.
- Herb Twist: Use basil, cilantro, or dill instead of parsley.
- Serve With: Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Keto Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
