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
First: Heat a cast iron skillet (non-stick pan works too) over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the shrimp and season well.
Second: Cook until the shrimp is pink and opaque. It should only take 2 minutes per side to cook fully. Set aside.
Next: Add garlic to the skillet, and cook for about 1 minute. Add butter, Italian seasoning and fresh lemon juice or lime juice.
Then: Stir in shrimp and cook for 1 minute. Serve with lemon wedges.
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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
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
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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
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1 lemon or more, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Equipment
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
- 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: 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.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Bill Weltin says
Made the garlic butter shrimp last night. Nice added touch to our Caesar Salad !
Olivia Ribas says
That’s perfect!
Maria vilma Ribas de Farias says
Delicious it food
Olivia Ribas says
Happy you liked it!
Glenda Carter says
Love it 💕.
Olivia Ribas says
Happy you liked it!
Karen Bliese says
Made this recipe with precooked frozen shrimp, with Olivia’s help, it turned out great!
Olivia Ribas says
Karen, I’m so happy that it turned out great for you!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your feedback 😉
pam says
turned out great. added 2 TB of capers and served over couscous
will add to rotation
Olivia Ribas says
Amazing!