Learn how to make the perfect garlic butter shrimp with this quick and easy recipe. Discover tips for creating a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish in just minutes!
Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for the Perfect Dinner
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner, Garlic Butter Shrimp is the perfect choice. This dish combines the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and succulent shrimp to create a mouthwatering meal in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply want to try something new, garlic butter shrimp is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Why Garlic Butter Shrimp?
One of the reasons Garlic Butter Shrimp is so popular is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. Plus, shrimp cooks quickly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this easy recipe, you only need a few key ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Butter (unsalted)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- Salt and Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Ensure they are peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them based on preference.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be cautious not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough if cooked for too long.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp are coated in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your garlic butter shrimp is now ready to be served! This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, opt for fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The butter is key to creating that rich, luscious sauce, so don’t be tempted to cut back.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp can become rubbery if left to sit too long. Serve right after cooking for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- With Pasta: Toss the shrimp with spaghetti or linguine for a quick shrimp scampi.
- Over Rice: Serve over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
- With Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
- In Tacos: Add garlic butter shrimp to warm tortillas for a twist on seafood tacos.
For more inspiration on pairing shrimp with sides, check out Epicurious’s side dish ideas.
Health Benefits of Garlic Butter Shrimp
Shrimp is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and vitamin D. Additionally, garlic is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with heart-healthy fats from butter (when used in moderation), this dish offers a tasty yet nutritious option for seafood lovers.
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, you can read Healthline’s article on shrimp nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While you can prepare the ingredients in advance, it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil is a good substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor of the dish.
Conclusion: Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Tonight!
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, quick, and full of flavor, Garlic Butter Shrimp is the perfect solution. With just a few ingredients and under 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress.
For more seafood recipes, check out our Seafood Pasta Recipe, a perfect complement to your garlic butter shrimp meal.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for heat optionnal
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside.
- Melt the Butter: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Add Lemon Juice and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Finish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can leave the tails on the shrimp for presentation or remove them before cooking, based on your preference.
- This recipe works well with both fresh and frozen shrimp (just ensure they are thawed before cooking).
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
