Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp – Tasty & Easy Seafood Dish

Name: Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp – Tasty & Easy Seafood Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 Qty garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 Qty Juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cups fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Alisha Bailey! October 7, 2024

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Table of Contents

Why We Love Garlic Butter Shrimp

You know, sometimes the simplest recipes turn out to be the ones we crave the most. That’s definitely the case for me with garlic butter shrimp. I first tried it at a small seafood shack while on vacation by the beach.

The buttery, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp were unforgettable. I couldn’t believe something so delicious was also so easy to make at home! So, I promised myself I’d try it, and when I did, it became a family favorite instantly.

What You Need to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

The beauty of this dish is how straightforward it is—just a few fresh ingredients, and you’re good to go. You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up something that’ll make people think you are!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Prepping the Shrimp

Don’t worry, prepping shrimp isn’t as hard as it sounds! You’ll want to peel and devein them first. This just means removing the outer shell and cleaning out that little vein running along the back. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important because it helps them cook evenly and get that nice sear.

2. Cooking the Garlic

Now, heat up 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The olive oil will stop the butter from burning. Once the butter is melted and starts to foam, toss in your minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds to a minute. You want it to be fragrant but not burnt—burnt garlic is never a good idea (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!).

3. Sauté the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t crowd them! Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and firm up—that’s when you know they’re done. Overcooked shrimp can get rubbery, so keep an eye on them.

4. Lemon and Seasoning

Once the shrimp are cooked, lower the heat and add the rest of the butter, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the shrimp are nicely coated in the sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and serve immediately. My favorite way to eat this? With a crusty baguette to soak up all that buttery goodness. But rice or pasta works great, too.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp

This is where things get fun. Garlic butter shrimp can be served in so many ways:

With pasta: Just toss the shrimp with some spaghetti or linguine, and voilà, you’ve got a meal that feels fancy without the effort.
On a bed of rice: White rice or even brown rice works great. The rice soaks up all that tasty sauce.
With crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that garlic butter sauce.
As an appetizer: If you’re hosting friends, this makes a great starter. Just serve with some lemon wedges for that extra zing!

A Few Handy Tips

I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’ve picked up a few helpful tips along the way:

Don’t overcook the shrimp: I can’t stress this enough. Shrimp cooks fast! As soon as they turn pink, take them off the heat.
Fresh is best: Fresh garlic, fresh parsley, and fresh lemon juice will make a world of difference.
Add some veggies: Want to make this a complete meal? Sauté some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even bell peppers with the garlic. It adds extra nutrition and color to your plate.

Is Garlic Butter Shrimp Healthy?

For those watching their diet, garlic butter shrimp is actually a pretty healthy option. It’s packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are good for your heart. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Calories: 250
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Carbs: 2g

The dish is also low in carbs, making it great for keto or low-carb diets.

Conclusion

Garlic butter shrimp is one of those dishes that’s as impressive as it is easy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. And trust me, once you start making it, you’ll wonder how something so simple can taste this good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first. I usually run them under cold water to speed up the process, but leaving them in the fridge overnight works, too. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking.

Personally, I like using large shrimp because they’re meaty and cook up perfectly. But feel free to use whatever size you have on hand—just adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re smaller or larger.

It’s best when served fresh, but you can prep it ahead and reheat gently. Just don’t reheat it too aggressively, or the shrimp might get a bit tough.

Absolutely! Sometimes I throw in spinach or tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Bell peppers also work great.

If you’re going dairy-free, you can use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.