If you are craving something that’s quick to prepare yet impressively delicious, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. The tender shrimp bathed in a luscious, garlicky butter sauce with just the right amount of lemon brightness makes every bite a little celebration. It’s a perfect dish for weeknights when you want something simple but crave the comfort of bold flavors. Once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe quickly becomes a favorite for seafood lovers and busy home cooks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be few in number, but each one plays a starring role in filling this dish with flavor, texture, and freshness. From the creamy butter that creates the sauce, to the lemon juice that adds a zingy pop, the balance here is just right.
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, quick-cooking and naturally sweet.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring out the shrimp’s natural flavor.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds richness and helps create that signature silky sauce.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the entire dish with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/4 cup chicken stock: Provides depth and helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating.
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens and balances the buttery richness with citrusy freshness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by seasoning your peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step ensures that the natural sweetness of the shrimp shines through and is perfectly balanced before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps them cook evenly. Stir occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Once done, set them aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and stir it around until the fragrance fills your kitchen, roughly one minute. This step is crucial as it infuses the butter with that irresistible aromatic undertone that defines the Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Reduce
Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently until it has reduced by half—about 1 to 2 minutes. This reduction intensifies the flavors and creates the perfect base for the luscious sauce.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce with Butter
Slowly whisk in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, adding one tablespoon at a time. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. This method ensures a creamy, velvety texture without breaking the sauce.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the buttery sauce until they are well coated. This final mixing step marries every bite of shrimp with the rich garlic butter flavor that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once combined, serve the shrimp right away, ideally sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley leaves for a touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic way to garnish this dish, adding a lovely pop of green and mild herbal flavor. For a little extra zest, some finely grated lemon zest or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that buttery sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad keep the meal fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp atop grilled crusty bread as an elegant appetizer or alongside pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic for a hearty dinner. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily tailor how you enjoy it depending on your mood and occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter shrimp keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the shrimp and sauce together to preserve maximum flavor, but avoid keeping them too long to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, the delicate texture after thawing and reheating may be slightly compromised. If you want to freeze this dish, do so within a couple of hours of cooking, place it in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave reheating is possible but should be done carefully in short bursts to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release excess water into the pan.
Is there a substitute for chicken stock?
If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, vegetable stock or even water with a pinch of salt can be used. The stock adds a little more depth, but the dish will still be delicious either way.
Can I make this dish spicy?
For sure! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic brings a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the butter and lemon flavors.
What can I do to make the sauce extra creamy?
Using good quality unsalted butter and adding it slowly into the sauce helps create a silky texture. Additionally, finishing the dish off with a splash of heavy cream can make it even richer if you prefer.
How quickly do I need to serve this dish?
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for the freshest flavor and ideal texture. The sauce tends to thicken and the shrimp may firm up if left too long.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish that combines ease with incredible flavor, I truly hope you give this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe a try. It’s one of those meals that feels like a special treat but comes together in no time at all, making it perfect whether for a cozy night in or entertaining friends. Once you taste that buttery, garlicky goodness, you’ll understand why this recipe keeps winning hearts and kitchens everywhere.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe delivers tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and parsley. Perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood dinner that takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Season shrimp evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Cook Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches, cooking and stirring occasionally until they turn pink and are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: To the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Take care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Reduce: Stir in chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Remaining Butter: Gradually add the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce is melted and smooth.
- Combine Shrimp with Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce until well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley leaves if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable or seafood stock for different flavor profiles.
- Ensure shrimp is cooked just until pink to avoid toughness.
