• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Primavera Kitchen

Making healthy foods taste delicious!

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Low-Carb
  • About
Search
Home Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

Garlic Butter Shrimp

By: Olivia Updated: 10/7/23
Jump to RecipeJump to VideoLeave a Review

This Garlic Butter Shrimp makes an easy and quick meal or appetizer that looks fancy. In just a few minutes, your garlic butter shrimp recipe will be perfectly cooked with garlic butter seasoning, making this a delicious dinner for weeknight and entertaining.

overhead view of cooked shrimp in cast iron skillet


 
Table of Contents show
Garlic Butter Shrimp
What Makes This Garlic butter Shrimp So good?
How do I prepare shrimp?
Ingredient to make Garlic Butter Shrimp
How to cook shrimp
How long to cook shrimp
Recipe tip
What goes well with this shrimp recipe?
More Shrimp Recipes to Try
Shrimp Avocado Tomato Salad Recipe
Shrimp Asparagus Recipe
Chimichurri Shrimp Broccoli Skillet
Easy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
How To Store Leftovers
Frequently Asked Questions
More Shrimp Recipes:
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
Instructions
Tips
Video
Nutrition Information
Similar Recipes:
Did You Make This?

G

Garlic Butter Shrimp

I’ve been preparing shrimp recipes for years now, and each time I make one, my family and I enjoy it more and more. Shrimp is the best because it’s quick and easy to prepare, and it’s incredibly flavorful, complementing almost any dish. So, let’s try making this garlic butter shrimp recipe because I think you’ll love it.

What Makes This Garlic butter Shrimp So good?

  1. Rich and Savory Flavor: Garlic butter shrimp is known for its rich flavor just like my other garlic butter recipes such as Baked Chicken Breast, Baked Chicken Thighs and Garlic Butter Lamb Chops.
  2. Quick and Easy Preparation: It’s a quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners just like my Sweet Potato Kale Shrimp Skillet, Shrimp Broccoli Skillet and Pesto Shrimp Salad.
  3. Versatility: Garlic butter shrimp is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer like my Shrimp Guacamole Bites, a main course with rice or pasta.
  4. Crowd-Pleaser: Garlic butter shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, it’s a dish that tends to receive rave reviews and is sure to impress your dinner companions.

How do I prepare shrimp?

For a quicker meal, use shrimp that is peeled and deveined. It may cost a little more, but will save you a lot of prep time. If you use shrimp that needs to be cleaned first, you will have a few extra steps before cooking.

  1. Defrost the shrimp overnight in a bowl of cool water in the refrigerator.
  2. As an option, you can soak the shrimp in salt water for a short time to refresh them after being thawed.
  3. Wash the shrimp and discard any that look slimy or discolored.
  4. Pull off the legs and continue pulling back the shell, then remove the tail.
  5. Cut down the back of the shrimp and pull out the black vein. To remove the vein easily, slide a toothpick underneath to help lift the vein up and out.
  6. Allow the shrimp to soak in cold water until you are ready to use them.

Ingredient to make Garlic Butter Shrimp

This garlic butter sauce brings this shrimp recipe to another level. So, you can use as much butter and garlic as you wish. Ingredients here and on the recipe card below:

  • Olive oil — I like using extra virgin olive oil but you can use a neutral oil of your choice.
  • Shrimp — raw, peeled, and deveined
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Garlic — I prefer freshly minced garlic over buying pre-minced.
  • Butter — I recommend unsalted grass-fed butter. You can swap for Ghee if you’re doing Whole30
  • Italian seasoning
  • Juice of 1 lemon — or more, to taste. Citrus always add more flavour to a seafood dish.
  • Fresh parsley — or herb of your choice. Cilantro and basil work as well.
  • Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also add some ground onions. But for me only salt and pepper with the garlic butter sauce is already enough and very flavorful.
close up image of cooked shrimp

How to cook shrimp

  1. Thaw shrimp completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the shrimp and season well.
  3. Cook until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Depending on the size of the shrimp, it should only take four to five minutes to cook fully. Optional, squeeze some lime juice or lemon juice at the end, before serving. Add garlic to the skillet, and cook and stir few times for about 1 minute. Add butter, Italian seasoning and lemon juice. Stir in shrimp and gently toss everything to combine. Cook for another minute.

How long to cook shrimp

The cooking time for shrimp recipes depends on the method you’re using and the size of the shrimp. Take a look below to general guidelines:

  1. Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the shrimp, and cook for about 2-3 minutes for small shrimp and 3-5 minutes for medium-sized shrimp. Large shrimp may take 7-8 minutes. I love this Shrimp Boil recipe. The best!
  2. Grilling: Shrimp on the grill usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking and becoming rubbery.
  3. Sautéing: In a hot pan with oil or butter, sauté shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side for small or medium-sized shrimp. Larger shrimp may need 3-4 minutes per side. This Shrimp and Vegetable Skillet is a good recipe for a sautéed shrimp.
  4. Baking: When baking shrimp in the oven at 350°F (175°C), it typically takes about 10-12 minutes for medium-sized shrimp. Adjust the time slightly based on the size. Try my Baked Potatoes with Shrimp recipe. It’s so good.

Recipe tip

If the garlic butter shrimp start turning white, they are overcooked. Over cooked shrimp will be rubbery, so don’t let them cook too long.

shrimp being cooked in a skillet

What goes well with this shrimp recipe?

This perfectly seasoned garlic butter shrimp needs side dishes to create a complete meal and a light dinner. Try any of these with this shrimp recipe:

  • Pasta: It’s a classic choice
  • Roasted asparagus for a healthy and delicious side dish.
  • Tacos (Think about delicious shrimp tacos)​.
  • Salad (I love shrimp salad)
  • This Tomato salad goes so well with any type of protein and especially shrimp.
  • Carrot Quinoa Salad and garlic butter shrimp makes a delicious combo.
  • Rice or cauliflower rice is always a good choice or you can enjoy this shrimp recipe with fried rice or cauliflower fried rice
  • Sweet potatoes and green beans
  • Grits
  • Crackers as a good appetizer with this garlic butter shrimp recipe too.

More Shrimp Recipes to Try

Shrimp Avocado Tomato Salad Recipe

Shrimp Asparagus Recipe

Chimichurri Shrimp Broccoli Skillet

Easy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

How To Store Leftovers

  • To Store: This garlic butter shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or you can freeze the shrimp after cooking it and allowing it to cool.
  • To Freeze: This garlic butter shrimp will last in the freezer for about three months. Be sure to use an airtight container so the shrimp doesn’t take on any odors from the fridge.
  • To reheat: To reheat the meal, you can toss it in a pan over low heat. If it has been frozen, be sure to thaw it before reheating. Shrimp does not reheat well in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Pan Should I Use to make this garlic butter shrimp?

I like to use a cast-iron skillet but a non-stick pan will work as well. I find that cast iron gives the shrimp a nicer sear.

Fresh Or Frozen Shrimp? Which Is Better?

Both fresh or frozen shrimp is a great source of protein. However, wild frozen shrimp are preferred because they are frozen immediately upon catching.
The shelf life for frozen shrimp is also longer compared to fresh shrimp as you won’t know for sure how long fresh shrimp has been at the fish counter at the grocery store. Wild caught shrimp also has a cleaner, shrimp-y flavor than farmed shrimp. Frozen shrimp also costs less than fresh shrimp if you are on a budget. If you are purchasing fresh shrimp then check the shells and if they feel soft or slimy, skip them.

Is Shrimp Good For Weight Loss?

Shrimp contains lots of lean healthy protein and very little calories. Shrimp has no carbs. This means it’s great for a keto, low-carb and Whole30, like my Garlic Shrimp and Veggies Meal Prep Bowls. In addition to being healthy and delicious, shrimp recipes like this shrimp recipe are very quick and easy to make.

How Do I Quickly Thaw Shrimp?

If you’ve forgotten to thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge, not to worry! You can quickly thaw it by placing frozen shrimp into a bowl or colander in the sink. Then run cold water over it for 5 to 10 minutes, giving it a shake every so often so the water can thaw the shrimp evenly. It will take longer if your shrimp are larger. After the shrimp has thawed, you’ll have to pat them dry with a paper towel or the shrimp will steam instead of sear in the pan. This step is very important to get a nice colour on the shrimp. Did you thaw too much shrimp? Store them in the fridge and try any of these 35 healthy shrimp dinner recipes the next day!

More Shrimp Recipes:

If you love easy shrimp recipes, you will love these ones below:

  • Shrimp and Sausage Vegetable Skillet
  • Super Fresh Shrimp Tomato Salad
  • Cajun Shrimp
  • Shrimp Vegetable Skillet
  • Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

I also love this curry coconut shrimp, this shrimp scampi recipe, shrimp skewers, this shrimp avocado cucumber salad and this parmesan shrimp skillet made with coconut milk. They’re all very easy shrimp recipes and also very flavourful.

Did you make a recipe? Tag @primaverakitchen on Instagram so we can find you!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

3.42 from 260 votes

Garlic Butter Shrimp

This go-to shrimp recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe makes an easy and quick meal that looks fancy. In just a few minutes, your shrimp will be perfectly cooked with garlic butter seasoning. 
Prep: 5 minutes minutes
Cook: 5 minutes minutes
0 minutes minutes
Total: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Print Rate Email

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 lb shrimp raw, peeled and deveined
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 4 tbsp grass-fed butter melted — use Ghee if you're doing Whole30
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Juice of 1 lemon or more, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add shrimp, salt and pepper.
  • Cook until pink for about 3 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally. Set aside.
  • Add garlic to the skillet, and cook and stir few times for about 1 minute. Add butter, Italian seasoning and lemon juice.
  • Stir in shrimp and gently toss everything to combine. Cook for another minute.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips

  • Click HERE to watch the web story. 
  • Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to save time on prepping.
  • Pat dry the shrimp before you add them to the skillet so they sear instead of steam.
  • If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before you start cooking with them.
  • To store: Put leftover shrimp into an airtight glass container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat: Rewarm leftover shrimp in the microwave or on the stovetop. 
  • To freeze: Freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag once the shrimps have reached room temperature. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/4 Calories: 234kcal (12%) Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) Protein: 28g (56%) Fat: 18g (28%) Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 203mg (68%) Sodium: 554mg (24%) Potassium: 12mg Sugar: 1g (1%)

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.

© Author: Olivia Ribas

Similar Recipes:

  • Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti Recipe
  • Chimichurri Shrimp Broccoli Skillet
  • cooked steaks with garlic butter in a skillet on a cutting board
    Skillet Garlic Butter Steak Recipe
  • Titled Photo Collage (and shown): Healthy skillet Recipes
    Healthy Skillet Recipes

Did You Make This?

Follow @primaverakitchen on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #primaverakitchen. We’d love to see your recreation.

Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe
3.3K shares
  • Share
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Rate This Recipe:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Bill Weltin says

    Posted on 11/27/23 at 11:49 am

    Made the garlic butter shrimp last night. Nice added touch to our Caesar Salad !

    Reply
    • Olivia says

      Posted on 11/27/23 at 12:06 pm

      That’s perfect!

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Get New Recipes by email & a free Dinner Recipes e-cookbook

Looking for Something?

  • Search By Keyword
  • Browse Recipe Index

Christmas Recipes!

closeup of garlic butter turkey breast

Garlic Butter Turkey Breast Recipe

overhead view of balsamic Roast Pork Tenderloin on a marble board

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Overhead view of a skillet containing garlic butter lamb chops

Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe

Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole

chia seed pudding topped with raspberries in small glass jars

Chia Pudding

A piece of baked oatmeal with apples and raisins topped with yogurt.

Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Raisins

A close up of egg muffins on top of wooden serving board

Breakfast Egg Muffins Recipe

close up of a slice of Sausage and Potato Breakfast Casserole.

Sausage and Potato Breakfast Casserole

Popular Recipes

close of up crispy chicken thighs in a pan topped with fresh parsley

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs

wild salmon fillet with lemon slices and garlic butter

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

A skillet filled with garlic butter chicken breast

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

Overhead photo of a salmon salad.

Chopped Salmon Salad

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

overhead view of Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops in a cast iron skillet

Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops

Explore More

Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

close up of a cast iron skillet containing chicken and cauliflower rice
Chicken Category

Chicken and Cauliflower Rice

30 minutes minutes
overhead view of a cast iron skillet containing Mediterranean Chicken breast
Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

35 minutes minutes
overhead view of shrimp fried rice in a white skillet.
One-Pan Recipes

Shrimp Fried Rice

25 minutes minutes
Chimichurri chicken in a large, white skillet.
Chicken Category

Chimichurri Chicken

20 minutes minutes
Browse All

Subscribe for new recipes & a free e-cookbook

Join My Free
Facebook Group

Explore

About

Shop

Blog

Subscribe

Work With Me

Life Beyond Cooking

Amazon Storefront

Videos

Recipe Web Stories

Recipes

Low Carb

Dinner

Keto

Lunch

Whole30

Meal Prep

Gluten-free

Browse All

Privacy Policy
Disclaimers
Contact
© 2023 Primavera Kitchen
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top