Introduction
Garlic Butter Shrimp is the quintessential weeknight superstar. This dish is globally adored for its speed, simplicity, and incredible depth of flavor. Originating from the perfect marriage of rich, savory fat and pungent aromatics, this recipe elevates humble shrimp into an elegant, satisfying meal. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s the ultimate choice when you need a sophisticated dinner without the fuss, offering succulent texture and a sauce you’ll want to sop up with everything.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen/thawed)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare and Season the Shrimp (Prep Time: 5 minutes)
Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear instead of steaming the shrimp. Toss the dried shrimp in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Sear the Shrimp (Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes)
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 1 to 1.5 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and slightly opaque. Remove the shrimp immediately and set aside on a plate. - Create the Garlic Butter Base (Cooking Time: 1 minute)
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Tip: Watch the heat carefully—burnt garlic will taste bitter, so keep the heat low. - Deglaze and Finish the Sauce (Cooking Time: 2 minutes)
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds flavor). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce reduce slightly for about 1 minute. - Combine and Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them completely in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for just 30 seconds to heat through. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Garlic Butter Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. A typical serving (without heavy sides like pasta) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the butter content. Shrimp is rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, and the garlic offers powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
Storage
Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. Due to the quick cooking time of seafood, shrimp can easily become tough and rubbery upon reheating. To reheat, use a skillet over very low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture, or use a microwave on a low power setting.
Conclusion
This savory and satisfying Garlic Butter Shrimp dinner is incredibly versatile. We highly recommend serving it over linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce, or alongside crusty artisan bread. For a lighter meal, pair it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a fresh side salad. For a decadent variation, sprinkle in a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for a rich, salty finish.