Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful main dish that can be on the table in less than 15 minutes. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Garlic butter shrimp is an easy main dish or appetizer to make for your next meal. Tender shrimp are coated in a garlicky butter sauce that's absolutely irresistible!
I always look to shrimp when I need dinner on the table fast. Since it cooks quickly and easily on the stovetop, this garlic butter shrimp can be on the table in 15 minutes or less.
Pair your shrimp with an easy side dish for a complete meal. I like to serve garlic butter shrimp with some spaghetti aglio e olio or garlic parmesan rice.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Shrimp - Fresh or frozen shrimp work in this recipe. Frozen shrimp need to be thawed before cooking.
- Butter - Adds flavor to your shrimp while they cook. I don't recommend substituting with oil. Salted or unsalted butter works in this recipe.
- Garlic - Adds flavor to your shrimp. I recommend using fresh minced garlic, not garlic powder or pre-minced garlic in a jar, which often has a harsh flavor.
- Seasoning - Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley add flavor to your shrimp.
- Lemon - Adds bright, fresh flavor. The acidity cuts through the richness of the butter to balance the dish.
Tips and tricks
Shrimp size - I buy large size shrimp for this recipe, but feel free to use what you have on hand. I've also made this shrimp recipe with medium and jumbo shrimp depending on what was available at my local store that week.
Removing tails - Tails can be removed or left on for cooking. The tails are usually left on for presentation purposes or easy handling when served as an appetizer. I'd recommend removing the tails if you plan to add your shrimp to a bowl of pasta.
Cooking shrimp - Shrimp cook very quickly and only need about 1 to 2 minutes per side before they're done. Shrimp will turn pink and curl into a U shape when they're done cooking.
Storage
Cooked shrimp will keep for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.
Use gentle, medium-low heat on the stovetop to reheat shrimp without drying them out. Shrimp can also be reheated in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Shrimp scampi includes white wine while this recipe does not. Otherwise the two recipes are very similar.
Shrimp are delicate and cook very quickly. They only require about 1 to 2 minutes per side and this can vary depending the size of shrimp you have on hand.
I like to serve a light main dish like garlic butter shrimp with a more substantial side like spaghetti aglio e olio, parmesan orzo and peas, or garlic parmesan rice. For a light lunch, shrimp pairs well with a simple garden salad.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 16 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced in half
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a sauté pan over medium heat, add butter. Once melted and hot, add shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, then flip shrimp over.
- Cook for 1 more minute, then add minced garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 additional minute, or until shrimp have turned pink and begin to curl up slightly into a U shape. Remove from heat.
- Squeeze lemon over shrimp and add fresh parsley. Toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Medium or jumbo shrimp can be used instead of large shrimp. Keep in mind that smaller shrimp cook faster and large shrimp may need another minute or so of cooking time.
- To make this dish more like a shrimp scampi, add a splash of white wine when flipping your shrimp. The wine will cook down and reduce while your shrimp finish cooking.
- Leftovers will keep for 3 to 4 days in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat shrimp gently over medium-low heat to prevent drying out or getting tough.
I've made this twice now. I used the Jumbo Shrimp. It was absolutely easy and absolutely delicious.