If you’re looking for a quick and spectacular dinner that feels both comforting and a little fancy, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful balance of tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce, brightened with fresh lemon and fragrant herbs. In just about 20 minutes, you get a dish bursting with flavors that is sure to impress, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a dinner for close friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the rich creaminess of butter, the aromatic punch of garlic and fresh herbs, or the zing from lemon that lifts every bite. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring this dish to life:
- 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, make sure they are fresh or properly thawed for the best texture.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Butter creates the luxurious sauce and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- 1 small shallot, minced: Offers a delicate sweetness and slight crunch to complement the shrimp.
- ½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth): Adds acidity and aroma; wine brings a fancy flair, broth makes it cozy and accessible.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the soul of this recipe, infusing the butter with irresistible savory flavor.
- 1 small lemon, zested and juiced: Lemon brightness perfectly balances the richness of butter and shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): These herbs provide earthy freshness and a lovely aroma.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds vibrant color and a final burst of herbal flavor.
- Cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread, for serving: Choose your favorite base to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry to ensure they sear beautifully. Toss them gently in a bowl with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This simple seasoning sets the stage for all the other flavors to shine.
Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat until it melts and starts to bubble. Add the minced shallot and cook until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Then, nestle your shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Cook them for one minute on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. This quick sear locks in their juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Add Wine and Garlic
Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer) and immediately add the minced garlic. Let the sauce simmer gently, reducing the wine by half. This concentrates the flavors and cooks the garlic just right, releasing its magic without burning.
Step 4: Finish with Butter and Lemon
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt softly into the sauce. Sprinkle lemon zest over the shrimp, then squeeze in the juice of half the lemon. Add your chopped rosemary or thyme if using, along with the fresh parsley. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp in a shimmering, herbaceous sauce.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, serve with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side. A few cracked black peppercorns on top add visual texture and a subtle spice that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is so versatile when it comes to sides — try it over a bed of fluffy rice for comfort, twirled with your favorite pasta for a quick seafood pasta, or spooned over creamy grits for Southern flair. Toasted crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every luscious drop of the buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, consider serving these shrimp on individual spoons or atop small crostini for a stunning appetizer. You can also plate the shrimp in a shallow bowl with some of the sauce and a colorful side salad to make a vibrant, casual dinner presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but refrigeration helps preserve the flavors without drying out.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for shrimp in buttery sauces because the texture can change upon thawing, leading to a slightly rubbery bite. However, if you must freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the shrimp on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make shrimp tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture is key to getting that perfect sear and texture.
What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer to avoid wine, low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth works beautifully. They provide depth and moisture without changing the overall flavor profile too much.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe has just a gentle heat from the cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted or omitted if you prefer a more mild dish. The focus is on buttery garlic richness with a hint of warmth.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a plant-based version, try substituting the shrimp with large mushrooms or tofu and use vegan butter in place of dairy butter. The garlic and herbs still create a wonderful sauce to enjoy.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is wonderfully quick, coming together in about 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way a simple Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe turns everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal. It’s fast, fresh, and deeply satisfying — exactly what you want when you want food that feels homemade but looks like a showstopper. Give it a try soon, and you just might discover a new favorite to share again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with white wine, shallots, and fresh herbs, delivering a deliciously vibrant meal that 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
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to add a subtle heat and flavor.
- Sauté Shallot and Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the minced shallot and cook for about 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add Wine and Garlic: Pour in the dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth as a substitute) and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Let it simmer and cook until the wine reduces by half and the shrimp are fully cooked through, infusing the dish with a rich garlicky flavor.
- Finish with Butter and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to create a luscious sauce. Zest the lemon directly over the skillet, then squeeze the juice from half of the lemon into the pan. Add the chopped rosemary or thyme if using, along with the chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything gently to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side and your choice of cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute low-sodium chicken broth for white wine if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left on heat too long.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley enhance the flavor but can be omitted based on preference.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to enjoy the buttery sauce fully.
- For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper slightly to taste.
