If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, comes together quickly, and feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to love this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe. This recipe combines succulent shrimp cooked to perfection with a garlicky, buttery sauce that’s brightened by fresh lemon juice and parsley, creating a delightful balance of richness and freshness. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels impressive yet is incredibly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming your palate. From the tender shrimp to the zing of lemon, every element comes together harmoniously.
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined for ease and to soak up the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance natural shrimp flavor.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided to make the sauce rich and velvety, adding that luxurious buttery mouthfeel.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Adds bold, fragrant aroma and unmistakable savory punch.
- 1/4 cup chicken stock: Introduces gentle depth and moisture, perfect for sauce reduction.
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Gives brightness and a refreshing citrus kick to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: For a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry and seasoning them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned before the cooking begins.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a large cast iron skillet. Adding the shrimp in batches prevents overcrowding, allowing them to cook evenly and turn a beautiful pink hue in just 2 to 3 minutes. Do a gentle stir occasionally and once cooked, set them aside—don’t worry, they’re going to soak up even more flavor soon!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
With the skillet still warm, toss in the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant—this should only take about one minute. The butter captures the garlic’s aroma perfectly, building a flavor base that feels incredibly inviting.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half—about one to two minutes. This step concentrates the tangy, savory sauce that will cling to every shrimp.
Step 5: Finish the Butter Sauce
Stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, adding it a tablespoon at a time while stirring continuously. This gradual melting creates a silky, smooth sauce that envelops the shrimp in decadence.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the luscious garlic butter sauce. This ensures every piece is coated perfectly and ready to delight your taste buds.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley leaves for that burst of color and subtle herbaceous flavor. Trust me, this final touch makes all the difference!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic and easiest way to garnish this dish, adding vibrant color and freshness. For an extra zing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a little lemon zest can add a fun twist that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe shines alongside a variety of simple sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice soak up every drop of that buttery sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad for contrasting textures and colors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the shrimp over pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic or in warm, toasted baguette halves to make irresistible shrimp bruschettas. You can also skewer the shrimp for a fun appetizer or grill to add smoky depth to the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce and shrimp together so the flavors meld beautifully as they chill.
Freezing
While shrimp tends to be best fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the garlic butter shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp again, or they will become tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative or olive oil, but it will alter the velvety richness that butter provides.
Is it possible to add spice to this dish?
Yes! Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while sautéing the garlic adds a wonderful spicy kick.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin?
Simply continue to simmer it a little longer to reduce and thicken it, or add a small pat of butter to help it emulsify.
Can this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe be doubled?
Definitely. Just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring even cooking and perfect sear every time.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is pure comfort and elegance in one easy dish. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to put together, and once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this flavorful and soulful meal—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic and butter sauce with a hint of lemon juice and fresh parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking and stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and stir continuously until fragrant, about 1 minute, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
- Add Stock and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 1 to 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Incorporate Butter: Stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter gradually, adding one tablespoon at a time. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly and warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh note and appealing color.
Notes
- Use medium shrimp for best texture and flavor; large shrimp can also be used but cooking times may vary.
- Ensure the garlic is not burned by stirring constantly when sautéing.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Chicken stock can be substituted with vegetable stock for a lighter option.
