Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley, making it an irresistible meal on its own or served over pasta or rice.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact or removed
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about ½ of a medium lemon)
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley
• Cooked pasta or rice for serving, if desired

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the shrimp under cold water in a colander. Line a large plate or tray with paper towels, place the shrimp on it, and pat dry thoroughly with additional paper towels. Set aside near the stove.
2. Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Add the shrimp to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Step 4: Add the remaining ¼ cup butter and lemon juice to the pan. Stir gently and cook for another minute until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
5. Step 5: Taste a shrimp and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the shrimp before serving. Serve on its own or over cooked pasta or rice if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; if frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of white wine before adding the butter and lemon juice.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Storage

Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough, or microwave briefly in short bursts.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect cooking and texture.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Overcooking can make them tough, so remove from heat as soon as they change color.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect served over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Seasoning

• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact or removed
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Butter and Flavorings

• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about ½ of a medium-size lemon)

Serving

• Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Line a large plate or tray with paper towels, spread the shrimp on it, and pat them dry thoroughly with additional paper towels. Set aside near the stove for easy access.
2. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook the shrimp for another 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Add Remaining Butter and Lemon Juice: Add the remaining ¼ cup of butter and the fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and cook for about one more minute until the butter is melted and the shrimp are well coated. Remove the skillet from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
5. Season and Serve: Taste a piece of shrimp and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or rice if you like.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry to get a good sear and avoid steaming.
• Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy; they cook quickly and turn pink when done.
• Fresh garlic and lemon juice are key to maximizing flavor in this simple dish.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
• Optional: garnish with additional parsley or a lemon wedge for presentation.

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, stovetop shrimp, lemon shrimp, quick seafood dinner