How to Make the Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp
American · Easy · 16 min · 4 servings
Plump shrimp are cooked in a sizzling cast iron skillet with an abundance of garlic and rich herb butter, creating a deeply flavorful dish that is ready in under 15 minutes. The high heat of the cast iron gives the shrimp a beautiful sear while keeping them juicy and tender inside.
Why this recipe works
This Cast Iron Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 16 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 26g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Dry and Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes on both sides. Drying the shrimp is critical to achieving a proper sear rather than steaming them in the pan.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it is very hot. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Cook the shrimp without moving them for 1 to 2 minutes until the underside is pink and slightly caramelized. Flip each shrimp individually and cook for another 1 minute on the second side until just cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat in the garlic butter, and finish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- large shrimp → sea scallops, seared using the same method for an equally impressive and delicious result
- fresh parsley → fresh basil or chives for a different but equally bright and fresh herbal finish
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the skillet with too many shrimp at once, which lowers the pan temperature and causes the shrimp to steam and become rubbery
- Overcooking the shrimp past the point when they curl into a tight C shape, which makes them tough and chewy rather than tender
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 26g protein, 3g carbs, 18g fat, 0g fiber.
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