Shrimp

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons (30g) white wine; 2 tablespoons (30g) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 tablespoons (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

By Nathaniel Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Shrimp

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total25 min

Serves4

As a coastal home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I've always been passionate about demystifying seafood for nervous cooks. One of my favorite recipes to make is garlic butter shrimp, a dish that's both elegant and effortless. I love serving it to my family and friends, and it's always a hit. The combination of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and rich butter is a match made in heaven.

The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. I've perfected this recipe over the years, and I'm excited to share it with you.

What I love about garlic butter shrimp is that it's a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables, a salad, or even with some crusty bread for a more indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless, and I'm sure you'll find your own favorite way to serve it.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making garlic butter shrimp, from preparation to serving. I'll share my tips and tricks for cooking the perfect shrimp, and I'll provide you with a list of ingredients and equipment you'll need to get started. So, let's dive in and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for a quick and delicious seafood dinner.
The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich and aromatic sauce.
The shrimp are cooked to perfection, with a nice sear on the outside and a tender interior.
This recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides and salads.
The dish is elegant and effortless, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great garlic butter shrimp is to cook the shrimp correctly. This means cooking them until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C), which ensures that they're safe to eat and tender. To achieve this, it's essential to use a thermometer to check the temperature of the shrimp.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of garlic and butter. The combination of these two ingredients creates a rich and aromatic sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly. By cooking the garlic and butter together, we create a flavorful sauce that's both savory and slightly sweet.

The technique of cooking the shrimp in a hot skillet with some oil is also crucial. This helps to create a nice sear on the outside of the shrimp, which adds texture and flavor to the dish. By cooking the shrimp quickly over high heat, we can achieve a nice caramelization on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make garlic butter shrimp, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ingredient is, of course, the shrimp. You'll want to use fresh and succulent shrimp for the best flavor and texture. You'll also need some garlic, butter, and a few other ingredients to create the flavorful sauce.

When shopping for shrimp, look for ones that are firm and have a sweet smell. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them first if using frozen. For the garlic, you can use either minced or crushed garlic, depending on your preference.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedFresh and succulent shrimp are essential for this recipe. Look for firm shrimp with a sweet smell, and make sure to peel and devein them before cooking.
4 cloves garlic, mincedMinced garlic is used to create the flavorful sauce. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but 4 cloves provide a good balance of flavor.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butterUnsalted butter is used to create the rich and aromatic sauce. Make sure to use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is used to season the shrimp and bring out their natural flavor. Use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is used to add a bit of spice and depth to the dish. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons (30g) white wineWhite wine is used to add a bit of acidity and flavor to the sauce. You can use either dry or sweet white wine, depending on your preference.
2 tablespoons (30g) freshly squeezed lemon juiceFreshly squeezed lemon juice is used to add a bit of brightness and acidity to the sauce. Make sure to use high-quality lemons for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons (15g) chopped fresh parsleyChopped fresh parsley is used as a garnish and adds a bit of freshness to the dish. You can use either curly or flat-leaf parsley, depending on your preference.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseGrated Parmesan cheese is used to add a bit of nutty flavor and depth to the sauce. Make sure to use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the dish to taste. Use a high-quality salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

1
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, making sure to coat them evenly.
3
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foamy.
4
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly browned.
5
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C).
6
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the shrimp in the thickest part.
7
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
8
Reduce the heat to medium and add the white wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
9
Add the lemon juice to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has reduced slightly.
10
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and smooth.
11
Add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and well combined.
12
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat.
13
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Make sure to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture and promote even browning.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh shrimp and real butter, for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C) for the best results.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the shrimp to retain their moisture.
Consider serving the garlic butter shrimp with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
You can also serve the dish with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more indulgent treat.
To add some extra flavor to the dish, consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the garlic.
You can also use other types of cheese, such as grated cheddar or mozzarella, in place of the Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not patting the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking, which can prevent even browning.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as frozen shrimp or artificial butter, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not stirring the sauce enough, which can cause it to separate or become too thick.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can cause the shrimp to become dry and tough.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the shrimp, which can lead to undercooked or overcooked shrimp.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the garlic for extra flavor.
Using different types of cheese, such as grated cheddar or mozzarella, in place of the Parmesan.
Adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the sauce for extra flavor.
Serving the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.
Using other types of protein, such as chicken or scallops, in place of the shrimp.
Adding some spice to the dish, such as red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos, for extra heat.
Serving the dish with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more indulgent treat.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables, a salad, or even with some crusty bread for a more indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless, and I'm sure you'll find your own favorite way to serve it.

Some ideas for serving garlic butter shrimp include serving it with a side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. You could also serve it with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more indulgent treat.

Steamed asparagusRoasted Brussels sproutsSimple green salad with a light vinaigretteCrusty breadRice or pasta

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Garlic butter shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the dish, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat the dish, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also add a bit of water or broth to the dish if it becomes too dry during reheating.

It's also a good idea to label and date the dish before storing it, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. This will help ensure that you use the oldest dishes first and reduce food waste.

In addition to storing the dish, you can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. This can be a great time-saver during the week, when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe, but make sure to thaw them first if using frozen. Look for firm shrimp with a sweet smell, and make sure to peel and devein them before cooking.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

The shrimp are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the shrimp in the thickest part. They should also be pink and firm to the touch, with a slightly curled shape.

Can I use other types of protein in place of the shrimp?

Yes, you can use other types of protein, such as chicken or scallops, in place of the shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the specific protein you're using.

How do I store garlic butter shrimp?

Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve it. This can be a great time-saver during the week, when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

What are some ideas for serving garlic butter shrimp?

Some ideas for serving garlic butter shrimp include serving it with a side of steamed vegetables, a salad, or even with some crusty bread for a more indulgent treat. You could also serve it with some crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a more indulgent treat.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to give it extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the specific ingredients you're using.

How do I reheat garlic butter shrimp?

To reheat garlic butter shrimp, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also add a bit of water or broth to the dish if it becomes too dry during reheating.

The Full Recipe

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