Garlic Butter Shrimp
69 Comments
Feb 03, 2025
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Garlic butter shrimp is a healthy 10-minute recipe you can whip up quickly. Large shrimp are cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, then finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Plus, there are numerous ways to serve it for a tasty lunch or dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is easily one of my most frequently made dishes at home. It’s a simplified version of shrimp scampi, without the wine and red pepper flakes, but the flavors are just as magnificent—buttery, garlicky, and bright with fresh lemon and herbs. That’s what I love about shrimp recipes—with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning meal. No fancy chef skills are needed! You’ll also love that this recipe is:
- Made in 10 minutes. From start to finish, this dish comes together quickly, which is always a win in my book.
- Great for meal prep. I often include shrimp in my weekly meal preps because it’s such a great protein option for creating easy, healthy meals.
- A beauty for dinner. Especially when served over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes or cilantro lime rice. I’ll share more serving ideas below!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Ingredients
- Shrimp: Grab the freshest jumbo shrimp you can find, whether fresh or frozen! I’d also look for wild white shrimp if you are pan-searing shrimp on its own. This type has a sweet, delicious flavor and cooks firmly. Otherwise, smaller shrimp can be used for dishes such as shrimp ceviche or shrimp salad.
- Butter and Garlic: A dynamic duo for the most delicious garlicky, buttery sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice really finishes off the dish, so don’t skip this!
- Parsley: Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of green and delicious herby flavor. But you can also use fresh basil, cilantro, or tarragon.
How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Cook the aromatics. Melt the butter in a skillet and stir in the garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, and black pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp becomes pink and opaque. Remember that shrimp cooks really fast, so be attentive here!
- Add the finishing touches. Stir in the lemon juice, and any remaining butter, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving. That’s it!
Commonly Asked Questions
When it comes to seafood, always consider the quality and source of the product. Ideally, buying fresh shrimp from a coastal seafood market is best. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and convenient option, don’t overlook the freezer section at your local grocery store.
Wild-caught frozen shrimp are always preferred because they’re frozen immediately upon arriving at the port, preserving their freshness and flavor. I also prioritize wild-caught North American shrimp over imported shrimp from Asia for better quality and sustainability.
If you forgot to thaw your shrimp overnight, don’t worry! You can quickly defrost them by running the frozen shrimp under cold water for about 5 minutes, tossing them occasionally to ensure even thawing. Once thawed, place them on a sheet tray and gently blot with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to help the shrimp brown nicely instead of steaming in excess water.
Ways To Serve Shrimp
Here comes the fun part—there are so many ways to serve up garlic butter shrimp! A few of my favorite ideas are:
- Classic comfort food pairings: I mentioned mashed potatoes above, but this is also great piled on rice or tossed with pasta with freshly grated parmesan and extra lemon juice. I love using zucchini noodles for this!
- Light lettuce wraps: Wrap the shrimp in butter lettuce leaves with a drizzle of extra sauce for a light and fresh dinner.
- The perfect summer shrimp plate: Come warmer days, this is great in a spread with sides of coleslaw, roasted asparagus, or grilled corn.
More Shrimp Recipes
- Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The best summertime grilling recipe.
- Shrimp Tacos: Perfect for your next taco night!
- Shrimp Fajitas: Another tasty way to enjoy a fajita dinner.
- Creamy Chipotle Shrimp: The bold, creamy sauce is the perfect pairing.
If you make this garlic butter shrimp recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Description
Video
Equipment
- Le Creuset Braiser Pan My favorite enameled cast-iron pan for cooking on the stovetop!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp
- kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Saute the garlic. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.
- Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add lemon juice and parsley. Remove the shrimp from the heat, and stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
Lisa’s Tips
- To store in the fridge: Let the shrimp cook completely before storing it in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- To freeze for later: Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container bag, removing as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to 3 months.
- Reheating tip: Avoid using the microwave as it can make shrimp tough. Instead, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or olive oil, until heated through.
- When it comes to shrimp, do your best to not overcook them. That’s when they become rubbery.
Nutrition
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This recipe was originally posted August 2019, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
Made it tonight and it was delicious. Did not have parsley, used fresh basil. I served it with coconut rice and steamed broccoli. Fantastic!
Hi Sandra, sounds like such a delicious meal with the coconut rice and steamed broccoli pairing! Glad it was the perfect dinner to enjoy tonight.
Very quick and delicious, you are right didn’t miss the wine at all. Although I did have a glass. I enjoy every recipe, takes the stress of same old same, refreshing.
There’s nothing wrong with a wine and shrimp pairing at the end of the day! But, I’m glad you loved this garlic butter shrimp recipe, Pat. It really does make simple weeknight dinners extra delicious.
Really fabulous!! Great flavor!! Will definitely make it again!!
Happy to hear you’re loving this garlic shrimp Susan!
Just made this for lunch and yum! Perfect way to break my fast. X
Delicious. I have a hard time cooking any kind of fish or seafood. I always overcook it because I keep thinking it’s not done and raw fish turns my stomach. Guess I’m weird. This was simple, and tastes wonderful. Cheddar biscuits and a salad completed it.
Hi Jackie, it’s very easy to overcook fish, but don’t underestimate the time written in the instructions! I love how you served it with cheddar biscuits and a salad as well, sounds delicious!
Just made this for lunch and yum! Perfect way to break my fast today. X
I just made this for my lunch…yummy
Tried the recipe and it was nice. However for those who like in the Southern Hemisphere do not buy shrimps buy pawns. Made the mistake of buying shrimps in Cape Town not prawns and found the recipe didn’t work that well but I’m sure it will be good with prawns. The marinade is amazing.
This recipe is delicious and very simple and quick to make. Made it with zucchini and we loved it. A new favorite for us.
Wonderful! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe Diana. :)
I always cook this when I need fast lunch or dinner. Good to have it with a wholemeal wrap plus the lime crema!
4 Stars because i’m a total foodie and can tell this is going to be amazing, haven’t cooked it yet, but will soon. 4 also because I LOVE the fact you recommend the USA wild caught shrimp over the foreign farmed option. I make shrimp a lot, but i’m going lower carb again this year, and plan to try the bok choy you recommended, i’ve never made it myself and can’t wait to try. i’m older (late 50s), my 16 year old grandson lives with me, and i’m looking for recipes that we can both love. He will love the shrimp and i’ll introduce the bok choy, he’s good at trying new things.
Can’t wait for you to try this recipe. Once you do (along with the bok choy), let me know how it turns out Nancy :)
If I made this, I know my husband would ask “Where are the veggies?” What veggies do you think I could add in & in what amounts? Thank you!!! I have shrimp in the freezer for this!!
I would make sauteed or roasted veggies on the side with this! Possibly my garlic ginger bok choy or roasted broccoli :)
Very good, quick and easy.
Thank you for sharing, great recipe.
Glad you enjoyed this garlic butter shrimp Nick :)
Meal prepped and ready to go for the week! I just love how easy it is to toss Downshiftology recipes together making cooking easy, healthy, and fun! <3 This shrimp recipient along with the honey glazed have amazing flavor!
Happy to hear you’re finding everything easy yet delicious to make! This shrimp is definitely a great meal prep ingredient :)
Absolutely delish! I served them with GF pasta and everyone asked for seconds. Love love love!
Amazing! Glad this shrimp recipe was a hit Lana :)
This was so good! So simple, easy and so delicious! Great meal prep option. Thank you Lisa!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Thelma :)
So easy and so delicious!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe!
I had some leftover shrimp from the shrimp asparagus and avocado salad, so decided to make these for lunch. So so yummy and it was literally done in 4 minutes total. Thanks Lisa!
All about quick and easy recipes here :) Glad you loved this one!
Hi LISA!
Since I’m dairy free, can I make this using earth balance butter instead of normal butter?
Hi there – Yes! You can use that :)
This is actually my favourite combo. I love making shrimp, but my husband HATES it!! But maybe I will have to make it so that there is more for me ;)
Hi Cathleen – That definitely means more for you :)
The flavors in this garlic butter shrimp look amazing, Lisa!
Hi Sapana- Thanks! You’re gonna love this one :)
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe looks so easy and delicious! I definitely need to make this!
Hi Shanika- Such a quick and easy sauteed dish to make for dinner!
I love a 10 minute meal and these garlic butter shrimp look right up my street!!
Hi Chris – They’re one of the easiest seafoods to whip up! And when it’s dressed in garlic butter, it’s always a win :)
You are right, wild-caught is always best. WC seafood tastes noticeably better than farmed!
Hi Jessica- Absolutely, it’s much more fresher than farmed.
This is a great recipe! Very simple and very flavorful. We have made it a few times and have really enjoyed it.
Hi Katie – Excited to hear you’ve made this a few times already :)
Love this recipe, so flavorful and quick….thank you Lisa!!!
Hi Kelly – Definitely a quick stir fry recipe to keep on hand :)
Really great! This is the recipe I was actually looking for. Thanks a lot once again dear for this recipe.
Hi Luda – So glad you discovered this recipe! I hope you enjoy this as much as I do :)
Hi Lisa – I’m not a big seafood eater so I’m not sure. Would this heat up ok the next day for lunch leftovers? Thanks!!
Hi Becca – Absolutely! You can heat this up for the next day :)
Love this! What a perfect way to end zucchini season :) I love how meaty it is too so it almost tastes like a real lasagna!
Hi Emily – Can’t wait for you to try this recipe :)
Made this for dinner tonight, absolutely AWESOME! Received rave reviews from my husband and kids. I would have served this with coleslaw, but my kids don’t like it, so I opted for your healthy broccoli salad instead. It also received excellent rating from my family. They didn’t miss the usual sugar that I have always used in my past broccoli salads!! Incredible!
I am hoping to transform my body and my health one Downshiftology recipe at a time. I have learned so much from your videos and blog.
Thank you for your excellent video content and flavorful recipes.
Hi Kara – I’m so happy to hear that! This is such a perfect weeknight meal for the family. I love how your family didn’t miss the usual sugar in the broccoli salad, as I know the original salad has tons of sugar. Looks like you and your family are on they way to a healthier lifestyle :)
LOVE SEAFOOD
Would it be possible to use Ghee or Miyokos instead of Butter for this? I love your channel. I have Hashimotos and I’m doing the Whole 30 right now. I’m over the halfway mark but craving foods now. Thank you for your videos and recipes.
Yes! You could definitely use ghee for this recipe. I’ll add a note about that. Good luck with your Whole30 Kirstin! And remember that you can sort by Whole30 recipes on the recipe page as well. :)
I love garlic butter shrimps! Perfect for dinner or lunch and always a crowed please ♥
Hi Natalie – You bet it is!
Shrimps are one of my go-to’s when I’m craving for something super tasty. The garlic option makes them just be as good as they get!!!
Love this! thanks for a beautiful recipe.
Hi Michelle – Most definitely! Garlic makes everything good :)
I love garlic shrimp with spaghetti. Such an easy meal.
Hi Dannii – That sounds great! It really is one of the easiest and tastiest meals :)
We make this several times a month, and I definitely prefer using frozen shrimp as well. Great recipe, thanks!
Hi Tonje – Definitely a great weeknight dish to create consistently :)
Oh, Wow wow wow… it look so colorful and so delicious, I can feel the strong pleasant flavor out of the screen. I love shrimp too, usually, I bought the frozen shrimp and cooked them with butter, lemon juice, pepper and mashed garlic, sometimes I add a little beer, which can make it tasted specially.
Hi Austin – Yes, it’s always good to buy frozen shrimp! And the way you cook it seems pretty similar so you’re on the right track :)