Garlic Butter Shrimp
Imagine the smell of garlic butter in your kitchen. It makes everyone want to come to the table. Garlic butter shrimp is more than food; it’s a quick trip to a world of great tastes and warmth.
It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a big family event. This easy garlic butter shrimp recipe is both tasty and heartwarming. With just a few minutes of prep, you can make a seafood feast that’s yummy and memorable.

As you start this cooking adventure, you’ll see how simple things can become a wonderful meal. In one pot, you’ll learn to make this classic dish loved for its rich taste and quick prep. Let’s start this journey together and enjoy the magic of garlic butter shrimp, a dish for any time.
Introduction to Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is the name of the dish: quick and delicious seafood. Sweet-shrimp in a thick garlic butter sauce. Making this is also easy, and requires only a few ingredients, making it great for home cooks.
Overview of the Recipe
Garlic butter shrimp is a very easy dish yet flavor-packed. It is made with shrimp, garlic, butter, and a little seasoning. Serve it over rice or pasta or with bread; it is perfect for any time.
Origin and Appeal
Garlic butter shrimp comes from coastal cooking traditions. It’s loved worldwide for its yummy taste and fits many tastes. It cooks fast, perfect for those who are always busy, offering a fancy meal in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Shrimp cooked in garlic butter provides the richness and flavor of seafood.
- This quick recipe for garlic butter shrimp can be made in a few minutes.
- The ideal food option to be served at a weeknight dinner and also on occasions.
- Succulent shrimp are mixed with buttery garlic sauce, a splendidly delightful combo.
- This dish was made for the novice chef with simple ingredients, although it can be accessible to educators and students.
Ingredients for Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Making garlic butter shrimp scampi is fun. First, you need the right stuff. Get everything ready before you start. Here’s what you need, and tips for picking the best.
Essential Ingredients List
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Helpful Tips on Ingredient Selection
Choosing good ingredients is key for tasty garlic butter shrimp.
- Shrimp: Go for fresh shrimp. They should feel firm and smell like the sea. Frozen shrimp is okay if fresh is hard to find.
- Butter: Pick unsalted butter for less salt. Choose the best butter for a richer taste.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic tastes better than jarred. Choose firm, unbruised cloves.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice, which will impart a refreshing spirit. If you can’t find fresh lemon essence, bottled liquids will do.
- Parsley: Fresh and green parsley really brightens things up-flavorwise. Otherwise, dehydrated parsley will do.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Making garlic butter shrimp is easy and fun. It brings fresh sea flavors to your table. Follow these steps for a tasty dish, whether you’re new or experienced. Enjoy cooking with this garlic butter shrimp recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Devein the shrimp firstly. Cut a slit along the back with a sharp knife to remove the dark vein.
- Next, wash them under cold running water. Dry them with soft cloth or paper towels.
- In a frying pan, melt ½ cup of butter without salt in medium flame. Once the butter melts, add in 4-5 minced garlic cloves.
- Saute the garlic until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes; do not allow it to burn.
- Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a little lemon juice.
- Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. Watch for color changes to avoid a tough texture.
- Using old garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference. Make sure your garlic is fresh.
- Skipping the seasoning: Simple seasonings like salt and pepper can make a big difference. Don’t skip them

Follow these steps to make garlic butter shrimp that wows everyone. Enjoy making a quick and tasty seafood dish.
Prep and Cook Time
Garlic butter shrimp is an easy recipe that’s quick to prepare. For example, you’d have to devote about 10 minutes actually to get all your ingredients ready. All the ingredients in place before cooking makes sure everything is perfect before the cooking.
Cooks shrimps for about 5 to 7 minutes. That means you can have a delightful meal made in less than 20 minutes! Perfect for busy nights or people coming over.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: Under 20 minutes
Garlic butter shrimp is perfect for those who want a quick, delicious meal. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.

Activity | Time Required |
---|---|
Preparation | 10 minutes |
Cooking | 5-7 minutes |
Total | Under 20 minutes |
Serving Size and Nutritional Information
Knowing how much garlic butter shrimp to eat is key for planning meals. This recipe makes about four servings. It’s perfect for family dinners or small parties. You can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
Recommended Serving Sizes
A standard serving size is 3-4 ounces of shrimp per person. This size is just right for a meal. Try adding veggies or a light salad for a full meal.
Nutritional Breakdown
Garlic butter shrimp is good for health and also protein packed containing low carb. Knowing nutritional details about garlic butter shrimp helps it fit into the diet of a healthy living.
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Protein | 22g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Fats | 16g |
Saturated Fats | 8g |
Sodium | 400mg |
Fiber | 0g |

Recipe Tips for Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp
To make your garlic butter shrimp better, try these tips. Knowing about ingredient swaps and cooking ways can really help.
Ingredient Substitutions
Want to change up your garlic butter shrimp? Here are some good swaps:
- Olive oil is a lighter choice with a unique taste.
- Garlic powder is easy if you’re in a hurry.
- Lemon zest gives a stronger lemon taste than juice.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a nice touch, instead of dried ones.
Cooking Techniques
Changing how you cook garlic butter shrimp can make it taste and feel better. Here are some ideas:
- Sautéing is quick and keeps the shrimp juicy.
- Grilling adds a smoky taste that’s really good.
- Stir-frying lets you add veggies for more nutrition and texture.
Trying these tips and ingredient swaps can make your garlic butter shrimp dish amazing. It’s perfect for different tastes and diets.

Substitution | Original Ingredient | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Olive oil | Butter | Lighter flavor and healthier option. |
Garlic powder | Fresh garlic | Quick and easy, great for busy cooks. |
Lemon zest | Lemon juice | Stronger citrus flavor without added liquid. |
Fresh herbs | Dried herbs | Brighter flavor and color in the dish. |
Variations on Garlic Butter Shrimp
Different methods to make garlic butter shrimp will give your meal a lift. Mixing shrimp with garlic butter is an excellent way to use in some delicious pasta dish. It’s fantastic how this big, hearty dish can emerge from such an easy recipe for shrimp. And there’s room for flavor and ingredient manipulation to make it just perfect for you.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
A glossy mix of decadent garlic butter and fresh pasta for the perfect garlic butter shrimp pasta. Boil up some pasta, toss it with some garlic butter shrimp, and then finish with fresh herbs or shavings of Parmesan cheese on top. You have a dish that’s both richly satisfying and warming.
Adding Spice or Vegetables
If you want to take your garlic butter shrimp up a notch, add some interesting spices or vegetables. Bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach add color to your dish and make it healthier. Red pepper flakes or lemon zest bring just a bit of heat to the dish. That shows how versatile garlic butter shrimp can be.

Storage and Leftovers
Proper storage makes your meals better. Store garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps flavors in and odors out. Refrigerate leftovers fast to keep them fresh.
Leftover garlic butter shrimp stays good for two days in the fridge.
Here are ways to reheat:
- Microwave: Place shrimp onto an appropriate container, cover with a lid, and heat in 30-second intervals on microwave.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat. Add butter to rejuvenate the flavor.
- Oven: Preheat the oven for cooking to 300°F. Cover shrimp in a dish and heat for 10 minutes.

Follow these tips to enjoy your garlic butter shrimp as much as the first time.
Storage Method | Timeframe | Reheating Suggestions |
---|---|---|
Airtight container in the fridge | Up to 2 days | Microwave, stovetop, or oven |
Freezer (for longer storage) | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the fridge, then reheat as above |
Pairing Suggestions for Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Dish
Choosing the right sides for garlic butter shrimp makes the meal better. Fresh, bright flavors go well with the garlic butter taste. Think about these ideas for your next meal.
Best Side Dishes to Serve
- Garlic Bread -It is garlic bread that is perfect for soaking up delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice adds a nice texture and absorbs the flavors.
- Fresh Garden Salad – Crisp greens and a little vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Asparagus – Tender asparagus provides an elegant and nutritious side.
- Quinoa Salad – A nutty, protein-rich option that goes nicely with seafood.
Recommended Drinks
Choosing the right drink can make the meal even better. A good drink will match the shrimp’s flavors without being too strong. Here are some ideas:
- Sauvignon Blanc-a clean crisp white wine, which will complement the rich flavors of garlic butter shrimp.
- Citrus Cocktail-very refreshing drink with a very small hint of lemon or lime, adds a tangy touch.
- Light Beer-pretty smooth lager or pilsner to accompany this dish.
- Iced Tea-not sweetened tea with the peck of mint, it’s a refreshing sip.
These pairing ideas make your garlic butter shrimp meal special. They add to the meal’s beauty and fun.

Conclusion
Shrimp prepared in garlic and butter is a terrific things to do on busy weeknights or for a special event. It is really easy to prepare and tastes phenomenal. You can really change it up the way you like it.
You can make it into pasta dishes or change the spice level. Serve it with rice or drinks for a big hit at any time.
Now you know how to make this tasty dish. Try it out and enjoy making something special for your family and friends.