If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in no time, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe will become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp coated in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce, brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s a perfect marriage of rich and fresh that’s so easy to whip up any night of the week. Whether it’s a quick dinner or an impressive dish for friends, this recipe delivers irresistible taste every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—providing layers of taste, texture, and color that transform humble shrimp into an unforgettable meal.
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, offering tender, sweet seafood flavor.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the natural shrimp flavor without overpowering it.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds luxurious richness and helps carry the garlic aroma throughout the dish.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): The key ingredient that infuses the entire recipe with a warm, fragrant punch.
- 1/4 cup chicken stock: Creates a light sauce base that balances the butter and keeps the shrimp juicy.
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves: Provides a fresh herbal finish and vibrant color.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by seasoning your shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This foundational step ensures every bite is flavorful, locking in the natural sweetness of the shrimp before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp in Butter
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps them cook evenly and develop a slight sear. Cook, stirring occasionally, until each shrimp turns pink—about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, roughly 1 minute. This step releases the garlic’s aromatic oils that form the foundation of this delicious sauce.
Step 4: Add Chicken Stock and Lemon Juice
Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 1 to 2 minutes. This reduction concentrates the flavors into a bright, tangy sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rest of the Butter
Slowly stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, adding it one tablespoon at a time. This gradual process helps create a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the shrimp.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp with the Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce. The result is shrimp that are moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the dish right away for the best taste and texture. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves on top adds not only a burst of color but also a subtle herbaceous lift that balances the richness of the butter. For an extra touch, consider a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes to bring a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with an array of sides. Try serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. For lighter options, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables work beautifully to contrast the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this garlic butter shrimp atop a warm slice of crusty bread, turning it into an elegant bruschetta-style appetizer. Alternatively, stuffing it into warm tortillas with some avocado and greens makes for a delightful shrimp taco twist. No matter how you present it, the vibrant sauce and tender shrimp will shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will remain tasty for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain that perfect buttery texture.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp can affect the texture, so it’s not ideal with this recipe. However, if needed, place the shrimp with sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking and rubbery shrimp. Adding a small splash of chicken stock or water can help loosen the sauce and bring back some moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before cooking so they sauté evenly and avoid excess water in the pan.
What can I substitute for chicken stock?
If you prefer, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can be used, though the chicken stock adds a subtle depth of flavor you might miss.
Is this Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe spicy?
By itself, it’s not spicy, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to kick things up.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities—just make sure your chicken stock is labeled gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! The ingredients scale up nicely, just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding your skillet for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is the perfect blend of ease and elegance, delivering mouthwatering flavors that feel special but are so simple to make. I promise once you try it, you’ll reach for this recipe time and time again. Give it a go and share the deliciousness with your loved ones!
Print
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 features succulent medium shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with hints of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect as an easy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, this dish comes together quickly on the stovetop for a delicious, savory seafood delight.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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 the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste, ensuring even coating for enhanced flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking and stirring occasionally until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Create Sauce Base: Add chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid reduces by half, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Butter: Gradually stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, adding one tablespoon at a time. Allow each addition to melt completely, producing a rich, smooth sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley leaves if desired, for a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- For additional flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a slight kick.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best vibrant flavor.
