Garlic butter shrimp is a quick, easy dinner even beginner chefs can prepare.
You can pull it together in just a few minutes with only a handful of ingredients.
It’s tender, succulent, and enormously flavorful. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily whip up at home.
Give garlic butter shrimp a try if you want an easy but decadent dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp
Of the many reasons to love this recipe, these are my top three:
- It’s quick and easy. This recipe comes together in less than 15 minutes. It has a prep time of about 5 minutes and needs only 5 to 7 minutes to cook.
- It makes an elegant dinner. As with most seafood dishes, shrimp is always an elegant dinner option. There’s just something “fancy” about enjoying fresh, flavorful seafood at home.
- It’s juicy and flavorful. The garlic butter adds a ton of flavor to the shrimp. The chicken broth also helps lock in moisture, ensuring each one is juicy and succulent.
Ingredients
You only need 10 ingredients for this simple recipe:
- Shrimp – You need about a pound of large-sized shrimp. To save time, buy the shrimp already deveined and peeled. You can also purchase pre-cooked shrimp, though I don’t think they taste as good.
- Salt & pepper – For seasoning.
- Olive oil and butter – It may seem odd, but you’ll want to use both olive oil and butter for this recipe. The butter will make the flavor richer, and the oil will keep the butter from burning.
- Garlic – The garlic and butter really make this recipe. Without them, the shrimp wouldn’t taste nearly as good. Use fresh cloves of garlic and mince it yourself. It really makes a difference.
- Red pepper flakes – Though optional, the red pepper flakes add spice and heat. If you like a lot of heat, you can substitute cayenne.
- Chicken broth – Adding chicken broth helps lock in moisture and makes the shrimp extra juicy. For more flavor, substitute a dry white wine instead.
- Lemon– Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste. Its flavor adds a bright freshness and pairs well with the umami flavor of the shrimp.
- Parsley – Parsley adds a pop of color and its own hint of herby freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Making garlic butter shrimp really boils down to three simple steps:
1. Prepare the shrimp. If the shrimp isn’t already peeled and deveined, take care of that first. Then, clean, dry, and season it with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the shrimp. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the shrimp and sear it for 1 to 2 minutes.
Next, flip the shrimp. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir, then add the chicken broth and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Finish the recipe. Take the skillet off the stove and add the lemon juice and parsley. Stir well, then serve and enjoy.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Even though this recipe is simple, I still have a few tips and tricks to remember:
- The fresher, the better. Mince your own garlic and freshly squeeze the lemon juice. Doing so will give you the best flavor.
- Get ahead of yourself. Shrimp cooks quickly. Have everything ready to go because once you get started, the recipe moves fast.
- Select your shrimp wisely! Avoid shrimp with an overly fishy odor. You can also press your fingertip into the shrimp. If it’s fresh, it should bounce right back. If it remains indented, the shrimp is likely old.
- Don’t overcook! As mentioned, shrimp cooks fast! Keep an eye on it, and don’t cook it longer than 4 to 6 minutes total.
- Ditch the booze. Pick up a bottle of alcohol-free wine. It has all the flavor without the booze. Leitz makes delicious non-alcoholic wine.
- Give it a hearty upgrade. You can include a few other quick-cooking ingredients near the end of the process. Try adding diced tomatoes or mushrooms. You can also serve the shrimp over rice or noodles.
How to Store and Reheat
Some people don’t like leftover shrimp, but if stored correctly, it actually tastes great.
- To Store: Let the shrimp cool, then transfer it to an air-tight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat your leftover shrimp slowly and carefully. Heat it on the stove over low heat in a covered skillet.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
Can’t get enough shrimp on your table? Try some of these recipes, too!
Shrimp Scampi
Bang Bang Shrimp
Popcorn Shrimp
Shrimp Alfredo
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp
4
5
minutes7
minutesThis recipe for garlic butter shrimp is quick, easy, and so satisfying! With a lemon-based, garlic-infused broth, you won’t be able to get enough.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
1 small lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp. Clean it, and pat it dry with clean paper towels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the oil and butter to a large skillet. Heat them over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Then flip the shrimp and add the garlic and (optional) red pepper flakes. Stir and cook until fragrant.
- Then, add the chicken broth (or wine) and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Then, squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the parsley over the top. Stir well.
- Serve while warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook. Shrimp cooks quickly – usually in 4 to 5 minutes. So be sure to add the garlic and chicken broth after 1 to 2 minutes.
- Using pre-cooked shrimp? Sear them in butter for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, remove them from the skillet and cook the garlic and chicken broth by themselves. Finally, return the shrimp to the pan and add the lemon juice and parsley.
