If you’re craving something that’s quick, packed with flavor, and totally satisfying, then you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe. It combines succulent shrimp with a rich buttery sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a bright pop of lemon, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive last-minute meal for friends. The balance of spices, the creamy butter, and the hint of fresh zest creates a dish that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy in the best possible way. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your new go-to for seafood nights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, fresh, and each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe. From the tender shrimp to the fresh herbs and tangy lemon, every element enhances the dish’s deliciousness.
- 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined: This is the heart of the dish, bringing a tender and juicy seafood base.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with garlic.
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle kick, giving the dish some personality.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Creates a luscious, silky sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 small shallot, minced: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that mellows when cooked.
- ½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth): Brings acidity and depth to the sauce, enhancing richness without overpowering.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: This is the star aromatic for that unmistakable punch of flavor.
- 1 small lemon, zested and juiced: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes and balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal touch, customizing the dish’s character.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, vibrant finish with color and mild herby flavor.
- Cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread, for serving: These help soak up every drop of that incredible sauce.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your large shrimp dry so they sear nicely in the pan. Toss them in a bowl with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. This seasoning mix gives the shrimp a balanced kick and ensures every bite is flavorful from the very beginning.
Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Cook the Shrimp
Warm 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. When melted, add the minced shallot and cook until it softens and becomes fragrant. Now it’s time for the shrimp to take center stage—lay them in one layer so they cook evenly, about 1 minute per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Those quick, golden edges add texture and deepen the flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Wine and Garlic
Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth, if you prefer) and add the minced garlic right away. The alcohol in the wine evaporates as it simmers, leaving behind a luscious tang that complements the garlic’s warmth. Let the mixture cook until the wine reduces by half, thickening the sauce and thoroughly cooking the shrimp.
Step 4: Finish with Butter, Lemon, and Herbs
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for that irresistibly smooth finish. Zest the lemon directly over the pan to catch every bit of bright oils, then squeeze in half the lemon’s juice for fresh acidity. If you’re using fresh rosemary or thyme, add it here along with the chopped parsley. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp in this fragrant, buttery sauce. Serve immediately and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe beautifully. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of green and freshness, while extra lemon wedges on the side invite your guests to add a bit more zing. For a touch of elegance, a small drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving adds shine and rich flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. It’s fantastic with fluffy cooked rice, which soaks up the buttery garlic sauce perfectly. Pasta or creamy grits are also wonderful companions if you want a heartier meal. Don’t overlook toasted bread either—it’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, try serving your Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe on a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Alternatively, create individual servings by arranging the shrimp on toasted crostini with a sprinkle of parsley and lemon zest on top. The dish looks as vibrant as it tastes, making it an eye-catching centerpiece at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer the shrimp and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The shrimp absorb the sauce well, but keep in mind that seafood is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Freezing garlic butter shrimp is possible but not ideal, as the texture of shrimp can change slightly once thawed. If you do freeze it, store it in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month, and thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking and rubbery texture. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and stir constantly until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, drain any excess water, and pat them dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and avoid a watery sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?
If you prefer to skip alcohol, low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth works wonderfully and still adds that needed depth and moisture to the sauce.
How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly; they’re done when they turn opaque and pink with a slight curl. Overcooking makes them tough, so keeping a close eye during the one-minute per side cooking is key.
Can I add more spice to this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Fresh chili peppers can also bring a nice heat if you like things fiery.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free pasta. Just watch any additional accompaniments for hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way garlic, butter, and shrimp come together in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe. It’s straightforward enough for a quick dinner yet special enough to impress at any occasion. I hope you dive into this recipe soon and enjoy every flavorful, buttery, garlicky bite just as much as I do. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of white wine, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon finish. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small shallot, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry using paper towels. Place them in a medium bowl and season evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to infuse the shrimp with a balanced savory and spicy flavor base.
- Sauté Shallots and Cook Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced shallot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked and tender.
- Add Wine and Garlic: Pour in the dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth for a milder flavor). Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook while stirring occasionally until the wine reduces by half and the shrimp are fully cooked through, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Finish with Butter and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until melted. Zest the lemon directly over the skillet and squeeze the juice from half of the lemon into the sauce. Add fresh rosemary or thyme if using, along with chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with your choice of cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread to complete this vibrant and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute the white wine with low-sodium chicken broth.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme add aromatic complexity but are optional.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired level of spiciness.
