Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic Butter Shrimp Ready in 20 Minutes

By Chloe PatelSeptember 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Garlic Butter Shrimp Your New Weeknight Hero!

Ever crave something decadent, quick, and oh-so-satisfying? This garlic butter shrimp recipe is your answer. The perfect balance of rich butter, pungent garlic, and tender shrimp will make your taste buds sing.

Why This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe Rocks!

This isn't just any shrimp recipe. This easy shrimp recipe is inspired by classic scampi, meaning it's big on flavor.

The sauce? Don't even get me started. You'll want to drink it straight from the pan. Honestly, I've been known to mop it up with crusty bread!

A Bit of Background & Why It’s So Good

Shrimp scampi, the inspiration for this, has Italian American roots. This dish takes that classic flavor profile and simplifies it. We're talking minimal prep and maximum flavor in under 20 minutes.

Seriously, this 20 minute shrimp recipe is faster than ordering takeout! Plus, this recipe yields 4 servings. Perfect for a family or a cozy night in.

Health Boost & Perfect Moments

Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein. This makes it a guilt free indulgence. Think of this quick shrimp dinner as your go-to for busy weeknights.

Or maybe a light lunch. It's also impressive enough for a casual dinner party. This buttery shrimp with garlic butter sauce is incredibly versatile! It’s special because of how easy it is.

Even my mate who can barely boil an egg makes this!.

Now, let's talk ingredients for this amazing buttery garlic shrimp dish. Time to gather your bits and pieces!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, bestie, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing garlic butter shrimp dish. Honestly, it's so easy, it practically cooks itself.

And trust me, even if you're a bit of a kitchen klutz, you can totally nail this.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

1 lb (454g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen is totally fine, just make sure they're thawed. Aim for shrimp that look plump and smell fresh, not fishy. No one wants sad shrimp!
4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, divided. Good quality butter really makes a difference. I like using Kerrygold, but any unsalted butter will do the trick.
6 cloves garlic , minced. Okay, I know some people are scared of garlic, but trust me, don't skimp! Freshly minced is the only way to go.
1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine. Optional but highly recommended! Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are great choices. If you're skipping the wine, no worries, just use more chicken broth.
1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth.
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed. The bottled stuff just doesn't compare, you know?
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Add more if you like a little kick!
1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped. Adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Don't be shy! Seasoning is key.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You!

This recipe relies heavily on the holy trinity of garlic , butter , and lemon . Don't mess with perfection, right? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth.

You can easily substitute shallots if you don't have fresh garlic to get some buttery garlic butter shrimp pasta . Oh my gosh!.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Large skillet or frying pan. Non-stick is your friend here, trust me.
Measuring cups and spoons. Obviously.
Garlic press. Not essential, but it makes mincing garlic so much easier! If you don't have one, just finely mince the garlic with a knife.

Honestly, that's it! Nothing fancy, just good old-fashioned kitchen basics. This is a quick 20 minute shrimp recipe , so you don't want to be faffing about with complicated equipment! This easy shrimp recipe is perfect for a weeknight shrimp dinner .

If you are concerned about garlic butter shrimp calories , then you can easily modify to your liking.

Cooking Method: Sizzling Up Some Garlic Butter Shrimp

Fancy a restaurant worthy meal, but dead set against spending hours in the kitchen? Let's talk garlic butter shrimp . I'm telling you, this easy shrimp recipe is a lifesaver.

Honestly, from prep to plate, it's a 20 minute shrimp recipe that delivers big on flavour. My friends always ask for the recipe! I normally love garlic butter shrimp pasta !

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place is your friend. It's all about having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go.

Peel and devein 1 lb of large shrimp nobody wants gritty shrimp! Mince 6 cloves of garlic, chop 1/4 cup of parsley, and measure out the rest of your ingredients.

This is key, so it is quick when you start actually cooking and don't burn your precious garlic!

Oh, and a quick safety reminder: always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw shrimp. You know? Safety first, flavour second!

step-by-step Process: From Raw to Righteous

Pat your shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. This will help them get a nice sear.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute - be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is the worst.
If using, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of white wine. Simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up those yummy browned bits from the bottom.
Pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side, until they're pink and opaque.
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Shrimp Game

Want to take your garlic butter shrimp to the next level? Try this: add a squeeze of lemon at the very end for an extra burst of freshness.

Honestly, it makes a difference!

Also, watch out for overcooking the shrimp. Rubbery shrimp? No thank you! Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.

Overcooked shrimp are rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.

Looking for a great weeknight shrimp dinner ? Serve your shrimp over rice or with some crusty bread to soak up all that amazing shrimp with garlic butter sauce .

Enjoy! Also, be careful with the garlic butter shrimp calories if you are on a diet.

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Garlic Butter Shrimp!

Alright, so you're about to make some garlic butter shrimp ! Honestly, you're in for a treat. It's so easy, even I, queen of kitchen mishaps, can whip it up without setting off the smoke alarm! Let's chat about some tips to make yours the best ever.

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, presentation matters! Plating this easy shrimp recipe is simple. Imagine a pile of fluffy rice with the buttery garlic shrimp cascading over it.

Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge. Bam! Restaurant vibes . As for sides, a simple green salad is your best bet.

Or, if you're feeling fancy, some crusty bread for soaking up that glorious shrimp with garlic butter sauce !

Storage Smarts

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the garlic butter shrimp into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3 days .

Reheating is a breeze. Gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, or zap it in the microwave. Just don't overdo it.

Nobody likes rubbery shrimp! I don’t recommend freezing it though, the texture can get weird.

Let's Get Creative

Want to mix things up? Turn this into garlic butter shrimp pasta ! Just toss the cooked shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta.

Linguine is a classic choice. For a lighter take, use olive oil instead of butter. It won't be quite the same, but it's still a tasty twist! If you want a quick shrimp dinner but are dairy-free, that will do the trick!

Nutrition Nuggets

So, what about the garlic butter shrimp calories ? Each serving clocks in around 250 calories . Shrimp is a great source of protein, which keeps you feeling full and satisfied.

Plus, garlic is a natural immune booster. So you are basically doing a great favor for your health! It's like a flavour bomb that’s (kinda) good for you!

This 20 minute shrimp recipe is not just quick and easy; it's also versatile and adaptable. Whether you're after a weeknight shrimp dinner or something a bit more special, lemon garlic shrimp always hits the spot.

So, grab your skillet, get some shrimp, and let's get cooking! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this garlic butter shrimp recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is perfectly fine, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Patting the shrimp dry after thawing is crucial; this helps them get a nice sear in the pan, rather than steaming, which leads to better flavor and texture.

Think of it like preparing for a proper fry-up gotta get rid of that excess moisture!

How do I prevent my garlic from burning when making garlic butter shrimp?

Burning the garlic is a classic kitchen blunder! To avoid this, keep the heat at medium and watch the garlic like a hawk. It only needs about a minute to become fragrant. Also, consider adding the garlic to the melted butter off the heat for the first 30 seconds to gently infuse the flavour, then returning to a low heat - this works like a charm.

No one wants that bitter taste ruining their delicious garlic butter shrimp!

What's the best way to store leftover garlic butter shrimp?

Leftovers are great for lunch the next day! Store your leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave but be careful not to overcook the shrimp, or you'll end up with that dreaded rubbery texture, a proper kitchen nightmare!

Can I make garlic butter shrimp without wine?

Yes, absolutely! The wine adds a lovely depth of flavour, but it's not essential. Simply substitute the wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. Or, for a little tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra lemon juice alongside the chicken broth - it'll give a similar brightness to the dish without the need to pop open a bottle.

It's all about flexibility, innit?

Is there a dairy-free alternative to butter for this garlic butter shrimp dish?

Certainly! You can easily substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant based butter alternative. While the flavor profile will be slightly different, it will still be incredibly delicious. For extra richness, consider using a good quality extra virgin olive oil.

Just remember that olive oil can burn at higher temps, so keep an eye on the heat.

What can I serve with this garlic butter shrimp to make it a complete meal?

This garlic butter shrimp is incredibly versatile! Serve it over rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. Crusty bread is also a must have for dipping. To round out the meal, add a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

It's a dish that plays well with others!