Shrimp with Garlic and Butter is a timeless seafood dish that’s elegant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. It features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with lemon juice and fresh herbs. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic evenings, or entertaining guests. The buttery sauce clings to each shrimp, delivering a burst of garlicky goodness with every bite. Serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce—it’s comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1½ pounds medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken stock or dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prep the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and drain well to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
2. Sear the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if using, for a subtle heat.
- Pour in chicken stock or white wine and lemon juice.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and becomes glossy.
4. Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reheat the shrimp and allow flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve
- Transfer shrimp and sauce to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Spoon over linguine or angel hair pasta for a quick scampi-style dinner.
- Serve with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Pair with toasted baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
- Add a side of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.
💡 Tips & Variations:
- Make it creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Add veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes or baby spinach during the final simmer.
- Herb swap: Use basil, thyme, or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
This dish is a celebration of simplicity and bold flavor—perfect for someone like you who knows how to turn everyday ingredients into something indulgent and crowd-pleasing. Want to follow it up with a tropical dessert or a sugar-free treat? I’ve got plenty of ideas to keep the inspiration flowing.