Garlic Butter Shrimp is deceptively easy to make and ready in under 15 minutes. Big, juicy shrimp are quickly sautéed in a pan, then finished off with the best garlic butter sauce. Whip up this simple seafood dinner when you’re needing a quick weeknight meal.
10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
Yes. You read that correctly.
You can have this incredible, restaurant-quality seafood dish ready and on your table in just 10 minutes!
Garlic butter shrimp is a mouthwatering main that even land-lovers will enjoy.
Succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic butter sauce so they don’t come out rubbery.
Save time by buying already peeled and deveined shrimp, and you have a quick dinner that will impress everyone at the table.
All you’ll need to round out the meal is this recipe for cheese grits—a classic pairing—and a simple vegetable like Air Fryer asparagus.
It’s so easy easy to pull together this shrimp recipe, you’ll quickly find it becomes your favorite way to enjoy shellfish.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Shrimp. For the best results, choose 16-20 count shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. Be sure the fresh shrimp are relatively evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. You can choose frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Butter. Salted butter creates that creaminess in the sauce.
- Garlic. Opt for freshly minced garlic to create a depth of flavor and really make this shrimp pop. Garlic powder is not recommended.
- Lemon. Both lemon juice and lemon zest add a fresh and citrusy balance to the butter sauce. Plus, lemon and shrimp is an amazing flavor combination.
- Seasonings. Salt and black pepper bring out the zesty flavors of the dish. Red pepper flakes (for a little heat) and chopped parsley are optional, but add the perfect finishing touches.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.
1. Prep the Shrimp
If you didn’t buy shrimp with the shell and veins removed, cut those away first.
You can either leave the tails on or take them off, it’s your personal choice.
Be sure to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This removes any extra moisture and helps encourage browning in the pan.
2. Cook in a Skillet
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a non-stick or stainless steel large skillet over medium or medium-high heat.
Then, add the raw shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip the shrimp over and continue cooking for an additional minute, until they’re almost cooked all the way. They’ll turn from translucent to opaque, and from grey to bright pink. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the shrimp. Smaller shrimp will cook more quickly so be sure to keep a close eye on them!
3. Add the Garlic Butter
Make a well in the middle of the shrimp by pushing them to the side.
Add the remaining butter to the pan. When it’s melted, place the minced garlic in the butter and sauté for 30 seconds. Look for it to turn slightly golden and aromatic.
4. Season It Up
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Add the fresh lemon juice and zest along with the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the melted garlic butter and shrimp.
Serve the shrimp and lemon garlic butter sauce right away with some fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
You can definitely freeze garlic butter shrimp. It’s best if you flash-freeze it on a baking sheet in a single layer for a few hours first, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should last for up to 12 months.
Shrimp are a healthy seafood, rich in protein. The garlic butter sauce, however, should be consumed in moderation.
Recipe Tips
- Save time. Buy shrimp with the veins and skin already removed.
- Dealer’s choice. You can choose to leave the tails on or off for this dish.
- Dry it off. Be sure to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before seasoning it.
- Make a well. Combine the butter and seasonings in the middle of the pan for maximum flavor.
- When life gives you lemons. Serve with a slice on top to cut the heat.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp?
This juicy sautéed shrimp recipe can be a delicious anchor to a protein-packed meal. Try any of these alongside it for an easy weeknight meal.
If you’ve never had Cheese Grits, this is the perfect recipe to try them with. Or, keep it light with Zucchini Noodles or Cauliflower Rice.
You can also go with green veggies, like Air Fryer Broccoli, Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic, or even Oven Baked Asparagus Fries.
More Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp cooks up so fast and is delicious in nearly every preparation. If this garlic butter shrimp recipe is a winner for you, you’ll love these other options.
- Blackened Shrimp
- Shrimp Creole
- Shrimp and Grits
- Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
- Coconut Shrimp (don’t forget the Piña Colada Sauce)
- Shrimp Pesto Pasta
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Shrimp Ceviche
- Shrimp Scampi Linguine
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp 16-20 count, peeled and deveined
- 5 Tbsp. butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tsp. lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- ½ tsp. salt to taste
- ¼ tsp. black pepper to taste
- ¼-½ tsp. red pepper flakes optional
- Parsley finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if they haven’t been already. Remove the tails or keep them on, depending on your personal preference. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.1 lb. shrimp
- Cook the Shrimp: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a large non-stick or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Once melted, place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, flip the shrimp over and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, or until almost all of the way cooked through. The shrimp are done when they turn opaque and their tails begin to curl. (This timing will largely depend on how big or small your shrimp are.)5 Tbsp. butter
- Add the Butter: Make a well in the center of the shrimp and add the remaining butter. Once it melts, add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds, or until browned and fragrant.5 Tbsp. butter, 4 cloves garlic
- Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and add in the lemon juice, zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve the shrimp immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.2 tsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp. lemon zest, ½ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper, ¼-½ tsp. red pepper flakes, Parsley
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Notes
- Save time. Buy shrimp with the veins and skin already removed.
- Dealer’s choice. You can choose to leave the tails on or off for this dish.
- Dry it off. Be sure to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before seasoning it.
- Make a well. Combine the butter and seasonings in the middle of the pan for maximum flavor.
- When life gives you lemons. Serve with a slice on top to cut the heat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
