Let me set the scene: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re juggling a million things, and dinner? It’s the last thing on your mind. Been there, done that! That’s when this garlic butter shrimp recipe swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s quick, mouthwateringly delicious, and flexible enough to fit whatever you’ve got in your pantry. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep coming back for more.
You can find the recipe in printable form at the end of the article 🙂
A Little Backstory…
The first time I made garlic butter shrimp, I was in a total time crunch—hungry but in no mood for takeout. With a few pantry staples and some shrimp from the freezer, I whipped this up, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. My family was hooked, and now, it’s a staple in our house. If you love cooking (or just eating great food), this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Adore This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Quick to Make: Dinner is on the table in under 20 minutes—how’s that for fast food?
- Garlic Butter Heaven: The rich, garlicky sauce is pure magic.
- Oh-So Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or even just a loaf of crusty bread.
What You’ll Need – Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Let’s keep it simple and delicious:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (the more garlic, the merrier!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Prep Your Shrimp
Pat those shrimp dry—trust me, this step makes a big difference. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika to bring out the flavors. - Sear to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lay the shrimp out in a single layer (crowding is a no-no). Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they’re beautifully pink and slightly golden. Set them aside, but don’t clean the skillet—you’ll need all those tasty bits for the sauce! - Butter + Garlic = Love
Lower the heat and melt the butter in the same skillet. Toss in the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it—you want fragrant, not burnt! - Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet and coat them in that dreamy garlic butter sauce. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, sprinkle some parsley, and if you’re feeling spicy, a dash of red pepper flakes. - Serve It Up
Dish it out with your favorite sides, and don’t forget the bread for that sauce. Trust me, you’ll want every last drop.
What to Pair It With?
Here are a few ideas I absolutely love:
- Pasta Perfection: Toss the shrimp with linguine or spaghetti for a quick dinner.
- Crusty Bread: Seriously, that sauce deserves a good soak.
- Veggie Lovers’ Dream: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or even roasted green beans work wonders.
- Low-Carb Swap: Cauliflower rice is a winner if you’re cutting carbs.
Pro Tips to Nail This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Fresh Shrimp Wins: Thawed shrimp work too, but fresh takes it up a notch.
- Keep It Quick: Overcooked shrimp = rubbery sadness. Stick to 2 minutes per side.
- Customize Away: Love garlic? Add more. Craving spice? Bring on the heat!
So, What’s Next? – Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is perfect for those nights when you need something quick but impressive. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner and fancy enough for guests—basically, it’s my little kitchen secret.
So, tell me—what are you pairing your garlic butter shrimp with tonight? Let’s swap ideas in the comments on Pinterest!
Garlic Butter Shrimp
When it comes to whipping up a dinner that’s both fast and flavorful, shrimp is a true hero. This garlic butter shrimp recipe checks all the boxes—it’s quick to prepare, rich in taste, and versatile enough for any occasion. Pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a stellar dinner idea that’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Instructions
1. Prep the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance their flavor.
2. Heat the Pan
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, lower the heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Combine Shrimp with Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce—it’s too good to waste!
Notes
Need some dinner ideas to go with your garlic butter shrimp? Here are a few simple pairings:
- Linguine or Spaghetti: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked pasta for an effortless meal.
- Garlic Bread: Use the sauce as a dip for warm, toasted garlic bread.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make excellent sides.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp ensures the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks fast—overcooking makes it rubbery.
- Customize: Add more garlic, lemon, or spice to suit your taste.
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