Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe​​

Alright, friends, get ready to ditch complicated seafood recipes and say hello to this quick and easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe​ dish! Packed with a rich, buttery flavour and a hint of garlic goodness, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. I first started making shrimp this way when I needed a quick yet impressive meal, and it instantly became a family favourite.

It’s ready in just minutes, uses simple ingredients, and never fails to impress. And did I mention how versatile it is? Serve it with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. I have a feeling this will become your go-to shrimp recipe for any occasion!

What You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe​

Let’s dive into the magic mix that turns a handful of shrimp into a buttery, garlicky masterpiece. Grab these simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to flavour town!

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined (tail-on for presentation or tail-off for easy eating—you decide!).
• Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (because butter makes everything better).
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (go bold, garlic lovers!).
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons to keep things sizzling.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons for that zesty zing.
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons, freshly chopped for a pop of colour and freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste (don’t be shy; season like a pro!).
• Optional Add-Ins:
  • Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch for those who love a little kick.
  • Paprika: A dash for a smoky twist.

Substitutions and Swaps:

• No butter? No problem! Swap it for margarine or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter touch.
• Out of fresh garlic? Garlic powder works in a pinch (but fresh is always best!).
• No lemon? Try lime juice
• Is Parsley not your thing? Swap it for cilantro or chives for a fresh twist.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe​

Ready to whip up some buttery, garlicky magic? Follow these steps.

Prep: Peel, devein, and pat shrimp dry (tail-on or tail-off).

Heat: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Sauté: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant.

Cook: Add shrimp to the pan, cooking for 2 minutes on each side until pink and golden.

Finish: Reduce heat, add remaining butter, lemon juice, and stir gently to coat the shrimp.

Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley, season with salt and pepper, and add optional red pepper flakes or paprika for extra flavor.

Tips for Shrimp Perfection

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the shrimp in batches if needed—they need space to sear, not steam.
• Watch the Clock: Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooked shrimp = rubbery sadness. Aim for a total cook time of 4-5 minutes.
• Double the Sauce: Love that garlicky butter? Make extra and drizzle it over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes and Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe​

Want to master this Shrimp Garlic Butter recipe like a kitchen pro? These notes and tips will have you serving up perfection every single time!

The Shrimp Scoop

Not all shrimp are created equal—here’s how to pick the best for this dish:

• Fresh vs. Frozen:Fresh shrimp are great if you can get them, but frozen shrimp are just as tasty and often more convenient. (Pro tip: Always thaw frozen shrimp before cooking!)
• Size Matters: for medium to large shrimp (16/20 count per pound)—perfect for soaking up all that buttery goodness without getting lost in the sauce.

Tasty Twists and Variations

Why stop at shrimp when you can turn this dish into a versatile superstar?

• Add Some Carbs:Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine or fettuccine for a garlic butter pasta dream.
  • Serve over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce.
• Surf and Turf:Use this shrimp as a decadent topping for steak or grilled chicken—hello, fancy dinner vibes!
• Get Veggie-Loaded:Stir in sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed asparagus for a colourful, healthy twist.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Even the best cooks can trip up—here’s how to dodge the big ones:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:Shrimp cooks fast! Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and sad. Aim for a total of 4-5 minutes, tops.
• Be Gentle with the Garlic:Garlic goes from golden perfection to bitter disaster in seconds. Keep an eye on it and stir constantly.
• Season Smart:Taste as you go! Too little salt can leave your dish flat, but too much can overpower the delicate shrimp flavour.

Storage and Reheating for Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe​

Let’s make sure your leftovers are just as mouthwatering as the first bite. Here’s how to store and reheat your Shrimp Garlic Butter like a pro:

Storing Your Shrimp Garlic Butter

• Refrigerator:Place your leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezer:Want to save it for later? Cool the dish completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Pro Tip: Freeze shrimp and sauce separately for better texture when reheating.

Reheating Your Shrimp Garlic Butter

• On the Stovetop:Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, broth, or butter to keep the sauce from drying out. Stir gently until the shrimp are warmed through (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Tip: Avoid high heat—it can make the shrimp rubbery.
• In the Microwave:Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until heated through.
• From Frozen:Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using one of the methods above.

A Note on Freshness

Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them within a day or two of making them. If you’ve reheated it once, avoid reheating again to preserve the best taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe​

What is garlic butter sauce made of?

Garlic butter sauce is a rich and flavorful blend of melted butter, minced garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and parsley. It’s often enhanced with lemon juice or cream for added complexity. This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with dishes like the garlic butter shrimp recipe easy or creamy garlic butter shrimp.

Is it better to cook shrimp in butter or olive oil?

Both butter and olive oil have their strengths: butter adds a rich, creamy flavor, while olive oil prevents burning at higher temperatures. A combination of both is ideal for recipes like garlic butter shrimp pasta to achieve the best of both worlds—flavor and proper cooking.

What is shrimp with garlic sauce made of?

Shrimp with garlic sauce typically features shrimp sautéed in a sauce of butter, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Variations like garlic butter shrimp recipe Pinoy might include soy sauce or sugar for a sweet-savory twist. Optional herbs and spices, such as paprika or parsley, elevate the dish further.

How to thicken a butter garlic sauce?

To thicken butter garlic sauce, use a slurry made from cornstarch and water, or reduce the sauce by simmering it. Adding cream or cheese can also give it a thicker, richer texture, perfect for dishes like garlic butter shrimp without lemon.

What’s the tastiest way to cook shrimp?

Sautéing shrimp in a garlic butter sauce is one of the tastiest methods, as it locks in flavor while giving the shrimp a tender, juicy texture. This approach is the foundation of classic dishes like the buttered shrimp recipe ingredients or garlic shrimp recipe.

What makes shrimp taste better?

Fresh garlic, butter, and a hint of acidity from lemon juice are essential for enhancing shrimp’s natural sweetness. Adding herbs, spices, or a creamy element, as seen in creamy garlic butter shrimp, creates layers of flavor that elevate the dish.

Is it better to steam or sauté shrimp?

Sautéing shrimp provides a deeper flavor profile as the shrimp caramelize slightly in the pan, while steaming preserves their natural juiciness. For recipes like garlic butter shrimp recipe easy, sautéing is recommended to infuse the shrimp with buttery garlic goodness.

What sauce is best for shrimp?

Garlic butter sauce is one of the best options for shrimp due to its rich flavor and versatility. It complements both simple dishes like garlic shrimp recipe and more elaborate meals such as garlic butter shrimp pasta.

Why do people put lemon on shrimp?

Lemon balances the rich flavors of butter and garlic with a bright acidity, enhancing the overall taste. It also helps to neutralize any briny aftertaste, making it a staple in dishes like garlic butter shrimp without lemon.

What is another name for garlic butter?

Garlic butter is often referred to as “beurre à l’ail” in French cuisine or simply “herbed butter” when parsley or other herbs are included. This luxurious condiment is a key element in recipes like buttered shrimp recipe ingredients.