Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick, flavorful dish—perfect for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions. If you’re wondering how to cook shrimp, this method is easy and delicious: juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich, butter garlic sauce, making it a simple yet impressive meal ready in just 15 minutes.

 

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and somehow, we love it more every time! A family favorite, this dish is not only quick and easy but also packed with incredible flavor. It works perfectly as a main dish or even as an impressive appetizer for guests.

Key Ingredients

Fresh raw shrimp — You can make this recipe with fresh or frozen shrimp. To thaw frozen shrimp, seal them in a bag and submerge in cold water for about 20 minutes, changing the water halfway through. Using pre-cooked shrimp? Just stir them in at the end for 1–2 minutes, just until warmed through, to avoid overcooking.

Garlic — I like freshly minced garlic more than pre-minced. It has a stronger flavor and really improves the taste of the dish.

Butter — I suggest using unsalted butter. It lets you control the salt and brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also add some ground onions, garlic powder or bay seasoning.

How to cook shrimp

1. Thaw shrimp completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Don’t forget to use peeled and deveined shrimp.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet (non-stick pan works too) over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the shrimp and season well.
3. Cook until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Cooking timw will depend on the size of the shrimp. It should only take 2 minutes per side to cook fully.
4. Add garlic to the skillet, and cook and stir few times for about 1 minute. Add butter, Italian seasoning and fresh lemon juice or lime juice. Stir in shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Serve with lemon wedges.

How To Store Leftovers

To Store: You can store shrimp leftovers with the garlic butter sauce in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To Freeze: This recipe will last in the freezer for about three months. I like to use an airtight container, so the shrimp doesn’t take on any odors from the fridge.

To reheat: To reheat the meal, I prefer to toss it in a pan over low heat. If you have frozen it, be sure to thaw it before reheating. Shrimp does not reheat well in the microwave.

What goes well with this shrimp recipe?

This perfectly seasoned garlic shrimp needs side dishes to create a complete meal and a light dinner. I love to serve this recipe with:

• Pasta or rice: It’s a great combination.
• Roasted asparagus for a delicious side dish.
• Shrimp Tacos
• Salad (I love shrimp salad)
• Shrimp Quinoa Bowl
• Grits
• Serve with crackers as an appetizer.
• Add in this avocado tomato salad