Garlic Butter Shrimp is a dish that can transport you to a coastal paradise with just one bite. Imagine juicy shrimp glistening in a silky garlic butter sauce, infused with the perfect hint of lemon and herbs. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an invitation to a sun-drenched beach, making your taste buds dance and your heart sing.
Whenever I whip up this Garlic Butter Shrimp, I can’t help but recall those warm summer evenings spent by the seaside. Friends gathered around, laughter echoing as we devoured these succulent morsels, each bite bursting with flavor. It’s the ultimate dish for cozy dinners or lively gatherings, promising to impress everyone at the table and keep them coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic Butter Shrimp comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich buttery flavor combined with zesty garlic creates a dish that’s simply irresistible
- Its stunning presentation makes it ideal for entertaining guests or date night
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or even fresh veggies!
I vividly remember the first time I made Garlic Butter Shrimp for my friends—there were gasps of delight and requests for seconds right away!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture; frozen works too if thawed properly.
Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter to enhance the creamy richness of the sauce.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; nothing beats the pungent aroma of freshly minced garlic.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; use flat-leaf variety for more flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every component of this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water if using fresh ones and pat them dry with paper towels.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt about 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles invitingly.
Add Garlic: Toss in 4-5 minced garlic cloves into the melted butter. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown—about 1-2 minutes should do it.
Cook the Shrimp: Add your shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season generously with salt and pepper as they cook until pink and opaque—around 3-4 minutes per side.
Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Once your shrimp are cooked through, squeeze half a lemon over them and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top—this adds brightness!
Serve Immediately: Transfer your Garlic Butter Shrimp to a serving platter while it’s hot. Serve it with some crusty bread or over pasta to soak up that delicious sauce!
You Must Know
- Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta
- The rich aroma of garlic and butter will have your taste buds dancing
- Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy night in, it’s a real crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic. Add shrimp next, cooking until pink and opaque for perfect flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or even fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture; frozen can become rubbery
- Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s the star of this dish!
- Always serve immediately for maximum flavor and freshness
The first time I made Garlic Butter Shrimp, my friends couldn’t believe how delicious it was. They still ask me to whip it up whenever they visit!
FAQ
What type of shrimp should I use for Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen works too if defrosted properly.
Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance.
What sides go well with Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Serve with rice, pasta, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Experience a taste of the coast with Garlic Butter Shrimp, a quick and flavorful dish that combines juicy shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce. Infused with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it promises to impress your guests and elevate any dinner occasion.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather and rinse shrimp under cold water; pat dry.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbling.
- Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp in a single layer; season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately on a platter or over pasta/rice to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Coastal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
