This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a true culinary delight – incredibly quick to prepare, yet bursting with rich, savory flavors that will impress everyone. It features plump, tender shrimp bathed in a luxurious sauce of melted butter, fragrant minced garlic, and often a hint of lemon and fresh herbs. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed; it comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, an elegant appetizer, or a fantastic addition to a more elaborate dinner party.
The high heat searing ensures the shrimp cook quickly and remain juicy, while the garlic-infused butter creates an irresistible coating that begs to be sopped up with crusty bread or served over pasta or rice. It’s a versatile, naturally gluten-free (if served without certain accompaniments) and low-carb option that champions the vibrant taste of fresh ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require a complicated process. This recipe is a testament to how a few simple, quality ingredients can create a truly memorable and satisfying dining experience.
Ingredients:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp (21/25 count or larger), peeled and deveined, tails on or off (tails on add visual appeal)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (or more, to your preference for intense garlic flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, but highly recommended for brightness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a splash of white wine or chicken broth for extra depth in the sauce
Instruction:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes, or in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step that ensures the shrimp will sear and caramelize nicely rather than steam.
- Season the dry shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Pan:
- Place a large skillet (a cast-iron skillet or a large non-stick pan works well) over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get hot for a minute or two. This high heat is important for quickly searing the shrimp.
- Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the hot skillet. Let the butter melt until it’s foamy but not browned.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be very careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the shrimp in two batches to ensure they sear properly and cook evenly.
- Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, depending on their size. Shrimp cook very quickly. They will turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape when done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully! The exact time will depend on the size of your shrimp.
- Finish the Dish:
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice (if using). The acidity brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter and garlic.
- If you like, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth at this stage, stirring quickly to deglaze the pan and create a bit more sauce.
- Finally, stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve Immediately:
- Transfer the garlic butter shrimp and all the delicious sauce to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments. This dish is fantastic with:
- Crusty bread for dipping in the garlic butter sauce
- Cooked pasta (like linguine or spaghetti)
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- A simple side salad or steamed vegetables
- As an appetizer on its own.
Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Shrimp!