Garlic Butter Shrimp

This Garlic Butter Shrimp is the ultimate quick seafood dinner that never disappoints. Juicy shrimp are pan-seared in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and a bright finish of fresh lemon juice. Ready in less than 20 minutes, this recipe works beautifully as an appetizer, light dinner, or protein-packed meal served over rice, pasta, or veggies. If you’re searching for shrimp recipes easy, flavorful seafood dishes, or fast cooking recipes for dinner, this garlic butter shrimp delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and simple ingredients.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients List

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 1 lb large or jumbo shrimp, shelled and deveined
• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• 12-inch skillet or cast-iron pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Heat the pan
   Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and sizzling.
2. Cook the shrimp
   Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink. Season lightly with salt, flip, and cook another 2 minutes 🍤
3. Add garlic & heat
   Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant do not let garlic brown 🧄
4. Finish the sauce
   Add remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Turn off heat and gently toss to coat ✨
5. Serve immediately
   Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over shrimp and enjoy hot.

Pro Tips

• Pat shrimp dry for a better sear
• Avoid overcrowding the pan
• Garlic cooks fast—watch closely
• Add extra lemon for brightness
• Best served fresh, but keeps 2–3 days refrigerated

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 serving	175	18g	3g	12g	1g	1g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Conclusion

If you need a fast, flavorful seafood dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, this Garlic Butter Shrimp is the answer. Simple ingredients, bold garlic flavor, and a cook time under 20 minutes make this recipe a weeknight staple you’ll return to again and again.