Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, ready to transport your taste buds to the seaside. This garlic butter shrimp recipe is the perfect blend of flavors – buttery, garlicky, and just a hint of spice. It’s quick to whip up and makes for an elegant dish that’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
This dish is a seafood lover’s dream! The shrimp soak up all that delicious garlic and butter goodness, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce or serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal.
The Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

These garlic butter shrimp are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and a squeeze of lemon elevates the dish, giving it a delightful richness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Add Lemon Juice: Once the shrimp are cooked through, squeeze the lemon juice over the top and give everything a good toss to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 2g