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.
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!
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.
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!).
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.
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.
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.
This is where things get fun. Garlic butter shrimp can be served in so many ways:
I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’ve picked up a few helpful tips along the way:
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:
The dish is also low in carbs, making it great for keto or low-carb diets.
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.
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,
Butter in a big pan, melt over medium high. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning.
Cook 3-5 minutes, stir occasionally, until pink and opaque.
Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
Add lemon juice and parsley, serve.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.