How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp
American · Easy · 13 min · 4 servings
This 3 ingredient garlic butter shrimp recipe transforms plump juicy shrimp into an irresistible dinner using nothing more than butter and garlic. The combination of these three simple ingredients creates a deeply savory and rich sauce that is perfect over rice or with crusty bread.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 13 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt. Dry shrimp will sear rather than steam, giving them a better texture.
Step 2: Saute the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl into a C shape. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- unsalted butter → vegan butter or a drizzle of extra olive oil for a dairy-free version
- fresh garlic → 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch, though fresh garlic provides a far superior flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the pan with shrimp, which causes them to steam instead of sear and results in a rubbery texture
- Overcooking the shrimp past the point when they curl into a C shape, which makes them tough and chewy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 24g protein, 2g carbs, 13g fat, 0g fiber.
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