If you need a quick dinner that feels a little more special than an ordinary weeknight meal, this garlic butter shrimp is a great choice.

Juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice, parsley, black pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes.

The entire recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

The shrimp cook quickly in a skillet, while the garlic butter sauce creates a flavorful coating that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

It’s an easy seafood recipe that requires minimal preparation and just one skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Ready in 20 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• One skillet: Less cleanup after dinner.
• Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients.
• Full of flavor: Garlic, butter, lemon, and parsley create a bright and savory sauce.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, bread, or vegetables.
• Naturally low in carbohydrates: The shrimp and sauce can be served without pasta or rice.
• Restaurant style: The finished dish looks impressive despite being very easy to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp

• 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Garnishes

• Lemon wedges
• Extra parsley
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan, optional

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely.

Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary.

Pat them dry with paper towels.

Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp develop better color in the skillet.

Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the olive oil.

Allow the oil to heat for a few moments before adding the shrimp.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, depending on their size.

The shrimp should become opaque and turn pink.

Avoid overcooking them because shrimp can become rubbery when cooked for too long.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, add the minced garlic.

Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds while stirring.

Don’t allow the garlic to burn.

5. Add the Seasonings

Add the red pepper flakes if using.

Stir everything together.

The garlic should become fragrant without turning dark brown.

6. Add the Lemon Juice

Pour in the fresh lemon juice.

Stir it into the garlic butter.

The lemon adds acidity that balances the richness of the butter.

7. Return the Shrimp

Place the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.

Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce.

Cook for another minute or so until everything is hot.

8. Add Fresh Parsley

Turn off the heat.

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp.

Toss gently.

9. Serve

Transfer the garlic butter shrimp to a serving dish.

Garnish with extra parsley, lemon wedges, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

Use Large Shrimp

Large or jumbo shrimp are easier to cook without overcooking.

Smaller shrimp cook extremely quickly.

Pat the Shrimp Dry

Excess moisture can cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear.

Pat them dry before seasoning.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

If your skillet is small, cook the shrimp in batches.

Overcrowding can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly.

As soon as they become opaque and pink and reach a safe internal temperature, remove them from the heat.

Use Fresh Garlic

Freshly minced garlic provides a much stronger flavor than pre packaged garlic.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice.

How to Tell When Shrimp Are Done

Raw shrimp are generally translucent and grayish.

As they cook, they become opaque and pink.

For food safety, use a food thermometer for the most reliable check.

Avoid cooking shrimp until they curl into a very tight circle, as this can indicate that they have been overcooked.

Fresh Shrimp vs. Frozen Shrimp

Both can work well.

Frozen shrimp are often convenient because they can be stored for longer periods.

If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.

Pat them dry after thawing.

Best Shrimp Size for This Recipe

Large shrimp are an excellent choice.

You can also use jumbo shrimp.

Medium shrimp will work, but they may need less cooking time.

Always adjust cooking time based on the actual size of the shrimp.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Variations

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Increase the fresh lemon juice and add a little lemon zest.

This makes the dish particularly bright and fresh.

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Increase the red pepper flakes.

You can also add cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Add a small amount of honey to the sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.

Parmesan Garlic Shrimp

Add freshly grated Parmesan at the end.

The cheese adds a salty, savory finish.

Cajun Garlic Shrimp

Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking.

Add extra Cajun seasoning to the butter sauce if desired.

Garlic Butter Shrimp With Spinach

Add fresh spinach to the skillet after making the sauce.

Cook until the spinach wilts, then return the shrimp.

Garlic Butter Shrimp With Tomatoes

Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet.

Cook until they soften and release some of their juices.

Garlic Butter Shrimp With Broccoli

Serve the shrimp over roasted or steamed broccoli.

You can also add cooked broccoli directly to the skillet.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is extremely versatile.

Pasta

Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine or spaghetti.

Add a splash of pasta water to create a looser sauce.

Rice

Serve the shrimp over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.

The rice absorbs the garlic butter sauce beautifully.

Crusty Bread

Crusty bread is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the leftover sauce.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with the savory garlic butter sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Try:

• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Zucchini
• Green beans
• Bell peppers
• Brussels sprouts

Salad

A crisp green salad with a lemon based dressing provides a fresh contrast.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp With Pasta

Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions.

Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Prepare the shrimp and garlic butter sauce according to the recipe.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.

Toss everything together.

Add a small amount of pasta water until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Finish with parsley, lemon juice, and Parmesan if desired.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice

Cook your preferred rice separately.

Prepare the shrimp according to the recipe.

Serve the finished shrimp and garlic butter sauce over warm rice.

For extra flavor, stir chopped parsley and a little lemon zest into the rice.

Can I Use Pre Cooked Shrimp?

Yes, but fresh or raw shrimp are usually better for this recipe.

If using pre cooked shrimp, add them only near the end.

You simply need to warm them through.

Cooking pre cooked shrimp for too long can make them rubbery.

Can I Use Garlic Powder?

Fresh garlic is recommended because it provides the characteristic flavor of garlic butter shrimp.

If necessary, garlic powder can be used as a backup.

Add it gradually because the flavor is more concentrated.

Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?

Yes, but butter provides the richest flavor.

If using margarine, choose one suitable for cooking.

Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter?

You can.

However, the classic garlic butter flavor comes from butter.

A combination of olive oil and butter works especially well because the oil helps with cooking while the butter provides flavor.

How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp

Allow leftovers to cool appropriately.

Transfer them to an airtight container.

Store them in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

How to Reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp

Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat.

Add a small splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.

Heat only until warmed through.

Avoid prolonged cooking because shrimp can become tough.

Can You Freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Yes, although the texture of shrimp is generally best when freshly cooked.

If freezing, allow the shrimp to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer safe container.

Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is garlic butter shrimp made of?

Garlic butter shrimp is typically made with shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings.

How long does shrimp take to cook?

Shrimp cook very quickly.

Large shrimp often need only a few minutes in a hot skillet.

Cooking time depends on their size and starting temperature.

Why is my shrimp rubbery?

Overcooking is the most common reason shrimp become rubbery.

Remove them from the heat as soon as they are fully cooked.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes.

Thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Do I need to devein shrimp?

Deveining is largely a matter of preference and presentation.

Many commercially prepared shrimp are already peeled and deveined.

Can I make garlic butter shrimp spicy?

Yes.

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh chili.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes.

Olive oil can be used, although the final flavor will be different.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes.

Spinach, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers all work well.

What pasta goes best with garlic butter shrimp?

Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, and angel hair are all good options.

Can I use pre cooked shrimp?

Yes.

Add pre cooked shrimp at the end and heat them briefly.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes.

Replace the butter with olive oil or a suitable dairy free butter alternative.

What gives garlic butter shrimp its flavor?

The combination of butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and properly seasoned shrimp creates the main flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition will vary depending on shrimp size, butter, oil, serving size, and optional ingredients.

For accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and brands you use.

Final Thoughts

This easy garlic butter shrimp recipe is proof that a delicious seafood dinner doesn’t need to take hours.

Juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, rich butter, bright lemon, and fresh parsley come together in one skillet in about 20 minutes.

Serve it with pasta for a hearty meal, rice for an easy dinner, or crusty bread for a simple seafood dish.

Once you have the basic recipe down, you can easily turn it into spicy shrimp, lemon garlic shrimp, Parmesan shrimp, or a vegetable packed skillet meal.

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Recipe Card

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Thaw shrimp if frozen.
2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
3. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook shrimp for approximately 1–2 minutes per side.
6. Remove shrimp from the skillet.
7. Reduce heat to medium.
8. Add butter.
9. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.
10. Add red pepper flakes if using.
11. Stir in fresh lemon juice.
12. Return shrimp to the skillet.
13. Toss gently in the garlic butter sauce.
14. Heat until the shrimp are fully cooked.
15. Turn off the heat.
16. Add fresh parsley.
17. Garnish with lemon wedges.
18. Serve immediately.

Food safety note: Cook shrimp thoroughly and use a food thermometer for the most reliable check.