Garlic Butter Shrimp
There are some recipes you turn to when you want big flavor with minimal effort—and garlic butter shrimp is one of them. Juicy shrimp seared in a sizzling garlic butter sauce, finished with a squeeze of lemon… it’s fast, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or need something elegant for guests, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for color
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove to a plate.
- Make the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Finish: Return shrimp to the pan, toss with garlic butter, and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips & Variations
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- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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- Swap parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor.
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- Serve over linguine for a simple pasta dinner.
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- Make it creamy: stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.
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- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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- Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp can turn rubbery once reheated.
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- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of butter or olive oil