Have you ever wondered how something so simple like garlic butter shrimp can taste like pure magic?
There’s just something special about buttery shrimp with that gentle touch of garlic. It makes you stop and smile after the very first bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, this garlic butter shrimp recipe is pure comfort. It’s one you’ll want to make again and again.
What Is Garlic Butter Shrimp?
The Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is one of the easiest seafood dishes to make at home. It combines shrimp, butter, garlic, and lemon juice to create a rich, aromatic, and delicious meal. It’s a quick recipe that takes only about 10–15 minutes to make but tastes rich and fancy — like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Is it Healthy to Eat Shrimp?
Yes, shrimp can be a very healthy food when eaten in moderation and cooked the right way. Shrimp is naturally low in calories, high in protein, and rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, and zinc. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Have you ever wondered why garlic and butter make such a perfect pair? It’s because the butter gives richness, and the garlic adds that deep, cozy flavor that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing. When you add shrimp to the mix, magic happens.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cuisine: American / SeafoodDifficulty: Very Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes320
kcalGarlic Butter Shrimp Recipe Ingredients:
1 pound (450g) large shrimp – peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – the star of the recipe
4 garlic cloves – minced finely
1 tablespoon olive oil – for extra richness
Salt and pepper – to taste
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) – for a little heat
1 tablespoon lemon juice – for that fresh zing
Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Shrimp
Start by washing and cleaning your shrimp properly. If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them first under cold running water. Then pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry shrimp cook better and get that nice golden color. - Melt the Butter and Oil
Take a large pan or skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The oil helps the butter not to burn too quickly. Once the butter melts and starts bubbling, get ready for the next step. - Add the Garlic
Now add the minced garlic. Cook it gently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don’t let it burn! You just want it to release that heavenly aroma. Your kitchen will already start smelling so good. - Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Shrimp cook very fast — they should turn pink and curl slightly. Don’t overcook them or they’ll become rubbery. - Add Lemon Juice and Butter
Once the shrimp are cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the butter melts and coats all the shrimp evenly. You can sprinkle some chili flakes if you like it a bit spicy. - Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Your delicious garlic butter shrimp is now ready to serve!
Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp
Try these fun variations:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta: Mix the cooked shrimp and sauce with spaghetti or fettuccine. Add some parmesan for extra flavor.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos: Add the shrimp into soft tortillas with lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy twist.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for a colorful, healthy version.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Here’s a simple idea of what you’re eating:
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
Here are some simple but powerful tips to make your shrimp turn out perfect every single time:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook super fast. Once they turn pink and firm, they’re done.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds way more flavor than bottled garlic.
- Butter quality matters: Use good-quality unsalted butter. It makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- Lemon is key: A splash of lemon juice balances out the richness of butter.
- Add some spice: Red pepper flakes or paprika can make the dish more exciting.