Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Irresistible Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe in Minutes

Seafood lovers unite over this mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp recipe that promises an explosion of flavor in every single bite.

The aroma of garlic dancing with succulent shrimp will instantly transport you to coastal dining experiences.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly easy to prepare, this dish comes together in mere minutes.

butter melts into a golden, fragrant sauce that coats each tender shrimp with rich, savory goodness.

Restaurant-quality results await you with just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills.

The combination of fresh shrimp, robust garlic, and silky butter creates a culinary masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Dive into this irresistible seafood sensation that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 5

Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp: Ingredient Essentials

For Protein Base:
  • Shrimp: Select plump, fresh extra large shrimp with bright, translucent appearance and clean ocean scent for best flavor and texture.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic: Provides intense aromatic base that infuses deep, rich flavor into the dish.
  • Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet undertone and beautiful golden color to the shrimp.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and spicy kick for adventurous palates.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps balance other seasonings.
  • Black Pepper: Delivers classic, sharp warmth and complements seafood perfectly.
  • Flour: Creates light, silky coating that helps thicken sauce and promotes golden searing.
For Cooking and Finishing:
  • Unsalted Butter: Generates luxurious, velvety sauce with rich, creamy mouthfeel.
  • Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning and provides smooth cooking medium.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and adds fresh, tangy counterpoint to rich butter.
  • Parsley: Offers fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds visual appeal and light greenery.

Cooking Equipment for Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • Large 12-inch non-stick skillet: Perfect for evenly cooking shrimp and preventing sticking.
  • Paper towels: Essential for removing excess moisture from shrimp before cooking.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Needed for coating shrimp with flour and spices.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and spices.
  • Spatula or tongs: Great for flipping shrimp and moving them around the pan.
  • Sharp knife: Used for chopping parsley as a fresh garnish.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Instructions for Making Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • Shrimp Preparation

Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure perfect searing and crispy exterior. Coat lightly with a blend of flour and warming spices for depth of flavor.

  • Flavor Foundation

Create a rich base by gently warming butter and olive oil, infusing with fresh garlic until its aroma fills the kitchen.

  • Cooking Technique

Arrange shrimp in a single layer, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden crust. Flip carefully to cook evenly, watching for that delicate pink transformation.

  • Final Touches

Remove from heat and brighten the dish with a zesty splash of lemon. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for an elegant finish.

  • Serving Suggestion

Drizzle remaining pan sauce over the shrimp, creating a luxurious coating that enhances every bite. Best enjoyed immediately while still piping hot.

Ideas to Elevate Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • Seafood Swaps: Try replacing shrimp with scallops or white fish for a delightful protein twist that keeps the same buttery, garlicky magic.
  • Spice Level Control: Dial up or tone down cayenne pepper to match your heat preference – from mild whispers to bold fire-breathing flavors.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles that dance on your taste buds.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair this shrimp with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the incredible garlic butter sauce, transforming a simple dish into a complete meal experience.
  • Leftover Love: Store any remaining shrimp in an airtight container for up to two days, gently reheating in a skillet to maintain their tender, succulent texture.

Serving Suggestions for Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • Zesty Seafood Feast: Pair this succulent shrimp with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with feta cheese and kalamata olives to complement the shrimp's bright, fresh flavors and add a refreshing crunch.
  • Bread Lover's Dream: Use crusty French bread or warm garlic toast to mop up the extra garlic butter sauce, turning every last drop into a delectable bite that enhances the entire dining experience.
  • Elegant Appetizer Option: Transform the dish into bite-sized servings on small skewers for a sophisticated party starter that will impress guests with its bold, vibrant taste and elegant presentation.

Proper Storage for Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping them fresh for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor transfer.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Avoid microwaving to maintain tender texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
  • Freezing Wisdom: For longer storage, place cooled shrimp in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare shrimp in advance and store separately from side dishes. Keep seasoning ingredients like fresh parsley and lemon wedges in separate containers to maintain optimal flavor and crispness when ready to serve.
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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Garlic butter shrimp elevates seafood with its rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Quick and elegant, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results that will delight your palate in mere minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 6 tbsps unsalted butter, diced into 1 tbsp pieces
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • ¼ cup minced fresh garlic
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsps paprika
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gently blot shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal crispness and preventing soggy texture.
  2. Seasoning: Develop a robust flavor profile by thoroughly coating shrimp in a spice mixture of flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt, creating a delicate, flavorful crust.
  3. Cooking Foundation: Melt butter and olive oil in a spacious non-stick skillet, establishing a rich, aromatic cooking base that will enhance the shrimp’s natural flavors.
  4. Aromatic Infusion: Introduce minced garlic to the hot fat, sautéing briefly to release its intense fragrance without scorching, building a complex flavor foundation.
  5. Searing: Strategically position seasoned shrimp in a single layer across the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-pink exterior through precise heat application.
  6. Finishing: Expertly flip shrimp, continuing cooking until they achieve a translucent, tender consistency that signifies perfect culinary execution.
  7. Flavor Enhancement: Brighten the dish by drizzling fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, amplifying their natural sweetness and adding a citrusy dimension.
  8. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and herbaceous final touch that elevates the overall sensory experience.

Notes

  • Moisture Matters: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to achieve a perfectly crisp, golden exterior during cooking.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Create a robust flavor blend using flour, paprika, cayenne, and salt to develop a delicate, well-seasoned crust that enhances the shrimp’s natural taste.
  • Garlic Finesse: Sauté garlic briefly in butter and olive oil to release its aromatic essence without burning, creating a rich flavor foundation.
  • Cooking Precision: Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook just until they turn translucent and golden-pink, preventing overcooking and maintaining tender, juicy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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