If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich, savory flavor and melts in your mouth, then this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a simple yet decadent recipe that transforms everyday shrimp into a luxurious meal, perfectly balancing the aromatic garlic and silky butter with a bright splash of lemon. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fresh shrimp providing the base protein, to the garlic and butter that infuse it with irresistible flavor, every component complements the others beautifully to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, these shrimp cook quickly and soak up flavors perfectly.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings that bring out the shrimp’s natural sweetness and balance the richness.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): The star ingredient providing creaminess and depth, added gradually for a silky sauce.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic gives the dish its irresistible aromatic punch and subtle spice.
- 1/4 cup chicken stock: Adds a touch of savory moisture, helping to create a luscious sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings a bright acidity that cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green color as the final touch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by seasoning your peeled and deveined shrimp generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step ensures each bite is perfectly savory and that the flavor shines through once cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, and cook them until they turn a beautiful pink color and just start to curl, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally so they cook evenly. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Infuse the Butter with Garlic
Into the same pan, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until it becomes fragrant—this should take about a minute. Keep an eye on it to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as you want a mellow, aromatic flavor to infuse the butter.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Reduce
Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil briefly, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it reduces by half, which usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and forms the base of your sauce.
Step 5: Create the Silky Butter Sauce
Gradually add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. This slow incorporation keeps the sauce from breaking and gives it that luscious, velvety texture that coats the shrimp perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the golden garlic butter sauce, ensuring each shrimp is fully coated. This step allows the shrimp to soak up the flavors and keeps them warm and juicy.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley leaves to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks beautiful but also adds a light, fresh contrast to the rich butter and garlic sauce. You can also add a twist of lemon zest or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you like.
Side Dishes
This garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery pasta tossed with herbs. If you prefer vegetables, roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed spinach make impeccable companions that complement the richness while adding a fresh dimension.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or stuff them into toasted baguette slices for elegant garlic butter shrimp crostini. You could also turn this dish into a cozy taco filling topped with avocado slices and fresh cilantro for something a little different.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and sauce together to preserve flavor and moisture, but be mindful that the texture might change slightly upon reheating.
Freezing
While this shrimp dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Use a freezer-safe container and make sure to cool the shrimp completely before freezing. When thawed, the sauce may separate a bit but can be gently reheated and whisked back together.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp gently on the stove over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to avoid overcooking. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce thickens too much. This keeps the shrimp tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce and to ensure even cooking.
Is it okay to skip the chicken stock?
You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock, white wine, or even water with a pinch of salt, but chicken stock adds a richer depth of flavor that really enhances the sauce.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or finish with a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick without overpowering the butter and garlic.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic only until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, and keep the heat at medium to medium-high rather than high. Burnt garlic can add bitterness, so watch it closely during this step.
What can I use instead of butter?
While butter is key for that classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with olive oil for a lighter version, though it will change the dish’s character slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is such a delightful way to elevate a simple ingredient like shrimp into a luxurious, flavorful meal that feels special every time you make it. Its perfect balance of garlicky richness and zesty brightness means it’s sure to please any crowd or make a quiet dinner feel like a celebration. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe delivers succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, this dish combines tender shrimp sautéed in butter and garlic, finished with a tangy lemon sauce for a bright, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences to enhance the natural flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, approximately 1-2 minutes, intensifying the sauce’s flavor.
- Incorporate Butter: Stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, adding it one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce is melted and smooth, creating a rich and velvety texture.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce to ensure they are evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp as they can become rubbery.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for the brightest flavor.
- Chicken stock can be substituted with vegetable stock for a lighter option.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
