How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This simple yet elegant dish comes together in under 15 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich sauce that coats every plump shrimp perfectly.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 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 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add half the butter. Once it melts and begins to foam, add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown or it will turn bitter.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until they begin to turn pink, then flip each shrimp and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the remaining butter and lemon juice to the pan. Swirl the pan gently to emulsify the butter into a glossy sauce. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and toss everything together to coat evenly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and scatter the fresh parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- unsalted butter → olive oil for a dairy-free version
- fresh parsley → fresh basil or chives
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the shrimp past the point where they curl tightly making them rubbery
- Adding garlic to a dry pan which causes it to burn before the shrimp is ready
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 24g protein, 2g carbs, 13g fat, 0g fiber.
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