Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor yet comes together in minutes, Garlic Butter Shrimp is your perfect go-to. This dish combines succulent shrimp sautéed in rich, velvety butter infused with fragrant garlic, finished with a bright splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, Garlic Butter Shrimp is a reliably delicious choice that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Shrimp lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Shrimp (250 g): Fresh or thawed, medium-sized shrimp work best for tender, juicy bites.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and creates the luscious sauce base.
- Garlic cloves (2): Minced finely for that essential aromatic punch.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a zesty freshness, balancing the butter’s richness.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped to add subtle herbal notes and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, honing all the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if needed. Mince the garlic cloves finely so they melt beautifully into the butter without overpowering each bite. Chop the parsley so it’s ready to garnish.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step is crucial as it infuses the butter with that unforgettable garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook without moving for about 2 minutes until the edges start turning pink. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they turn opaque and firm but remain juicy.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top, then give everything a quick toss in the skillet for the flavors to meld perfectly.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of finely chopped parsley not only adds freshness but also lends a lovely contrast to the golden butter sauce. For an extra touch, consider fresh lemon wedges or a light dusting of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include crusty bread to soak up every drop of the fragrant sauce, fluffy rice for a comforting meal, or a fresh salad to keep things light and balanced. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus also complement this dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp on skewers over a bed of garlic butter rice or nestled in avocado halves for a stunning appetizer. You can also toss them with pasta for an easy yet impressive main course. The buttery garlic sauce adapts beautifully to many presentations, so have fun experimenting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if kept too long, so try to enjoy them within one day for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing cooked Garlic Butter Shrimp is possible, it can affect the delicate texture of the shrimp and the quality of the sauce. For optimal taste and texture, it’s best to prepare this dish fresh. If you must freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a sealed freezer-safe container and consume within one month.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals. This will help prevent overcooking. Adding a small pat of butter while reheating can help revive the luxurious sauce before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture which can prevent proper sautéing.
What type of shrimp works best?
Medium to large shrimp with the shell removed and veins cleaned give the best texture and flavor balance for this recipe.
Is Garlic Butter Shrimp spicy?
The classic recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you want a little zing.
Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp without butter?
While butter is key to achieving that rich flavor, you can substitute olive oil for a lighter version, though the taste and texture will be slightly different.
How long does Garlic Butter Shrimp take to cook?
It’s incredibly quick — typically around 7 minutes total, making it a fantastic choice for a fast, flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of those fabulously simple dishes that tastes like you put in hours of work, but really comes together in minutes. With its rich, buttery sauce and bright lemon notes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and savor every bite just like I do!
