This Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Juicy shrimp are seared in a rich blend of butter and olive oil, then coated in smoky paprika, fresh garlic, and a splash of lemon for brightness. It tastes like something you’d order at a cozy seaside bistro, but it comes together in just 15 minutes using one skillet. Whether you’re craving butter garlic shrimp over rice, with crusty bread, or next to a simple salad, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, at-home date nights, or when you just want a fast, comforting seafood dinner without the fuss.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
Ingredients List
For the Shrimp
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Cooking Fat
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
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.
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Prep and season the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels so they sear instead of steam. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss until evenly coated. 🦐 - Heat the fats
Add 3 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the butter melts and starts to foam lightly. - Sauté the garlic
Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir constantly so it softens but doesn’t brown—burnt garlic turns bitter. 🧄 - Cook the shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and form a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking. - Finish with brightness
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley and drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. ✨ - Serve immediately
Serve hot with the pan sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy over warm rice, pasta, crusty bread, or your favorite side.
Pro Tips
- Have all ingredients prepped before starting this dish cooks fast
- Dry shrimp = better sear and flavor
- Use smoked paprika for depth, or regular paprika for a milder flavor
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Nutrition Table (Estimated)
Based on 1 serving (½ recipe):
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 350 | 30g | 2g | 24g | 0g | 0g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated from generic ingredient data and may vary based on brands and exact quantities used. For precise information, please calculate using your own ingredients.
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, without browning.
- Add shrimp and cook about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Turn off heat, add parsley and lemon juice, and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, spooning garlic butter sauce over the shrimp.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Dinner is proof that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated. With simple ingredients and just one skillet, you get tender, flavorful shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Whether you’re cooking for two or doubling the recipe for guests, this quick shrimp dish brings restaurant vibes straight to your kitchen—without the wait.