Garlic Butter Shrimp | Quick, Juicy & Packed with Flavor

Why You’ll Love This

Let’s be honest, sometimes life gets hectic. You’re juggling work, family, and trying to squeeze in a healthy dinner. But what if you could create a dish that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make? Garlic Butter Shrimp delivers precisely that. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:

• Flavor Bomb: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon juice creates a flavor profile that’s utterly addictive. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both savory and bright.
• Speed & Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly fast – it takes about 13 minutes to prepare, and the cooking time is minimal. Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Shrimp Perfection: We’re using fresh, high-quality shrimp, ensuring a tender and flavorful result. Don’t be intimidated by the shrimp – it’s surprisingly forgiving!
• Impressive Presentation: A generous swirl of garlic butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley elevates the dish to a truly elegant level.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Begin by patting your shrimp completely dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and fragrant.

Add the shrimp in a single layer, resisting the urge to move them around. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden color on one side. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. This is where the magic happens – cook the garlic for just 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown. Burned garlic will turn your beautiful dish bitter, so watch carefully.

Deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice, scraping up all those beautiful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These fond bits are pure flavor gold. Let the liquid simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol and concentrate the flavors.

Return the shrimp to the pan, add your red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and toss everything together. Cook for just another minute to warm the shrimp through and let them absorb some of that incredible sauce.

Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Pro Tips

Here are a few extra tips to take your Garlic Butter Shrimp to the next level:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Herbaceous Boost: Fresh basil or oregano would be a fantastic addition.
• Creamy Finish: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for an extra decadent touch.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Lemon Zest is Key: Don’t skip the lemon zest – it brightens the flavors beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.