Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

This Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a flavorful and elegant meal! Imagine succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a skillet with a rich garlic butter sauce, a hint of white wine, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. This recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and satisfying seafood dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats every shrimp.
• Versatile: Serve these shrimp with your favorite sides, such as rice, pasta, or crusty bread. They’re also great for adding to salads, tacos, or pasta dishes.
• Restaurant-Quality: You can easily recreate the flavors of your favorite seafood restaurant at home with this simple recipe.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, for this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds a hint of spice (optional).
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Shallot: Minced and adds a delicate onion flavor to the sauce.
• Dry white wine: Adds depth of flavor and acidity to the sauce. You can substitute with low-sodium chicken stock or broth if you prefer.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch to the sauce.
• Lemon: Zested and juiced, it adds brightness and acidity to the dish.
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): Adds a fragrant and earthy flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the minced shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until softened. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 1 minute. Flip the shrimp using tongs or a spatula and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Pour the white wine (or broth) and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook until the shrimp are no longer translucent and the wine has reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes more.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Zest the lemon directly over the skillet, then cut the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice of half of the lemon over the shrimp, and slice the other half into wedges for serving. Add the rosemary or thyme (if using) and parsley to the skillet, and toss to combine. Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sides, such as cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality shrimp.
• Pat the shrimp dry: Removing excess moisture from the shrimp helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the sauce compared to dried herbs.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish.

How to Serve

These Garlic Butter Shrimp are delicious with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing for shrimp.
• Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.
• Grits: Creamy grits are a Southern-inspired side dish that complements the flavors of the shrimp beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and sopping up the flavorful sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Garlic Butter Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Cooked shrimp are best enjoyed the day they are made, but you can reheat them very gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, covered with a lid. Note that shrimp tend to dry out easily when reheated, so warm them slowly and gently, and keep a close eye on them for best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can! Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.

2. Can I use a different type of white wine?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay.

3. Can I make this recipe without the wine?
Yes, you can! You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken stock or broth.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the shrimp?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and elegant meal. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and fresh ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Print