15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

In our house, weeknight dinners are often a race against the clock. Between after-school activities and evening commitments, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. That’s why this 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe has become an absolute lifesaver. From the first time I whipped it up, it was an instant hit. The kids devoured it, the adults raved about the flavor, and I was thrilled with how effortlessly it came together. The succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce, with a hint of bright lemon – it’s restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time and effort. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-approved meal, look no further. This recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your busy weeknight rotation.

Ingredients for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp works equally well. Look for medium to large shrimp (26/30 or 31/40 count) for best results, as they cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted. Butter is the heart of the rich sauce, providing flavor and luxuriousness. Unsalted allows you to control the overall salt level.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic garlic flavor that defines this dish.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin. Olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the butter and garlic and adding a zesty freshness.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the shrimp and sauce beautifully.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (or more to taste). Red pepper flakes provide a subtle warmth and a touch of spice that enhances the overall flavor profile. Omit if you prefer a completely mild dish.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish and is essential for seasoning the shrimp and sauce.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of bite and complexity to the flavor.

Instructions for Making 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

This recipe is incredibly fast and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to have delicious garlic butter shrimp on the table in just 15 minutes.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp is peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, make sure it is fully thawed before cooking. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the shrimp sear properly and prevents steaming, which can make them rubbery. Drying the shrimp allows for better browning and flavor development when they hit the hot pan.
2. Mince the Garlic and Chop Parsley: While the shrimp is being prepped, mince the garlic cloves. Mincing garlic releases its aromatic oils and ensures it infuses the butter and oil with maximum flavor. Finely chop the fresh parsley. Having these ingredients ready to go will streamline the cooking process and ensure everything comes together quickly.
3. Heat Olive Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the butter. Let the butter melt completely and swirl together with the olive oil. The combination of oil and butter creates a flavorful cooking medium and helps prevent the butter from burning, while also adding richness from the butter and a higher smoke point from the oil. Heating the pan to medium-high heat is crucial for searing the shrimp quickly and achieving that desirable golden-brown color.
4. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Sautéing the garlic in the butter and oil releases its aroma and infuses the base of the sauce with that signature garlic flavor. The red pepper flakes will also bloom in the hot oil, releasing their subtle heat.
5. Add Shrimp to the Skillet: Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice sear. Season the shrimp immediately with salt and black pepper. Seasoning at this stage helps to penetrate the shrimp and enhance its natural flavor.
6. Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to watch them closely and not overcook them, as overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. They are done when they curl up and are no longer translucent in the center. A slight pink color and opaque appearance are the visual cues for perfectly cooked shrimp.
7. Stir in Lemon Juice and Parsley: Once the shrimp is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The residual heat of the pan will gently cook the parsley and allow the lemon juice to meld with the garlic butter sauce. The lemon juice adds a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the butter and garlic, while the parsley brings freshness and a vibrant green color to the dish.
8. Serve Immediately: Garlic butter shrimp is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is luscious. Spoon the shrimp and the flavorful garlic butter sauce over your choice of accompaniments, such as pasta, rice, crusty bread, or vegetables. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Serving immediately ensures the shrimp is tender and juicy and the sauce is at its peak flavor and consistency.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Shrimp

(Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: Approximately 4-5 ounces of shrimp
• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of the shrimp and the exact amount of butter and oil used. Garlic butter shrimp is relatively moderate in calories, making it a good option for a flavorful yet not overly heavy meal.
• Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and satiety. This high protein content makes this dish a satisfying and nutritious choice.
• Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams. This includes both healthy fats from olive oil and saturated fat from butter. While butter contributes to the rich flavor, consuming in moderation is part of a balanced diet. The fats contribute to the luxurious texture and flavor of the sauce and help with nutrient absorption.
• Sodium: Approximately 400-500 mg. Sodium content can vary depending on the amount of salt added. You can control the sodium level by adjusting the amount of salt used and opting for low-sodium or no-salt-added ingredients where possible.
• Cholesterol: Approximately 200-250 mg. Shrimp is naturally higher in cholesterol. For individuals monitoring cholesterol intake, moderation is key. However, dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people than previously thought.

Note: These are estimated nutrition facts and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and measurements of ingredients used.

Preparation Time for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Prep Time: 5 minutes. This includes peeling and deveining shrimp (if necessary), mincing garlic, chopping parsley, and squeezing lemon juice. The quick prep time is a major advantage of this recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Cook Time: 10 minutes. The actual cooking process is incredibly fast. Sautéing garlic and cooking shrimp takes only about 10 minutes total. The rapid cook time is what makes this a true 15-minute meal.
• Total Time: 15 minutes. From start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying garlic butter shrimp meal on the table in just 15 minutes. This speed and efficiency make it a go-to recipe for quick and easy dinners.

How to Serve 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of delicious ways. Here are some popular and tasty serving suggestions:

• Over Pasta: Toss the garlic butter shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta. Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta all work wonderfully. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, creating a complete and satisfying meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and extra parsley for garnish.
• With Rice: Serve the shrimp and sauce over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The rice soaks up the flavorful garlic butter sauce, making each bite incredibly delicious. For added flavor and texture, consider mixing some chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice into the rice.
• Crusty Bread for Dipping: Serve the garlic butter shrimp with slices of warm, crusty bread, such as baguette or sourdough. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful garlic butter sauce. This is a great option for an appetizer or a light meal.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. The roasted vegetables provide a healthy and flavorful contrast to the rich garlic butter shrimp. Drizzle the vegetables with a little of the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the garlic butter shrimp in crisp lettuce cups. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves work well. This is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
• As Tacos or Burrito Bowls: Use the garlic butter shrimp as a filling for tacos or burrito bowls. Combine it with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cabbage, salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. This adds a fun and flavorful twist to the recipe.
• With Polenta or Grits: Serve the garlic butter shrimp over creamy polenta or grits. The smooth and creamy texture of the polenta or grits complements the succulent shrimp and rich sauce beautifully. This is a comforting and satisfying meal, especially on cooler evenings.
• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions of garlic butter shrimp as a delicious appetizer. Present them on skewers or in small bowls with toothpicks for easy serving. This is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings.

Additional Tips for Perfect 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

To ensure your garlic butter shrimp is absolutely perfect every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Use High-Quality Shrimp: The quality of your shrimp will significantly impact the final dish. Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Look for shrimp that is firm, smells fresh (not fishy), and has a good color. Using good quality shrimp will result in a more flavorful and enjoyable dish.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks incredibly quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and tough. Cook just until the shrimp is pink, opaque, and curled. It’s better to slightly undercook shrimp as it will continue to cook slightly off the heat. Keep a close eye on the shrimp and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
3. Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder can be a pantry staple, fresh garlic is essential for this recipe. Freshly minced garlic provides a much more pungent and aromatic flavor that is crucial for the signature garlic butter taste. Avoid using pre-minced garlic in jars as it often lacks the same fresh flavor.
4. Adjust Spice Level to Your Preference: The recipe calls for ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which provides a subtle warmth. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer no spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
5. Don’t Burn the Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing it in butter and oil. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the flavor of the sauce. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
6. Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred over bottled lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice has a brighter and more vibrant flavor that really enhances the dish. The acidity of fresh lemon juice is key to balancing the richness of the butter and garlic.
7. Pat Shrimp Dry Before Cooking: As mentioned earlier, patting the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking is crucial. This removes excess moisture and allows the shrimp to sear properly in the hot skillet, resulting in better browning and flavor development. Dry shrimp will also absorb the garlic butter sauce more effectively.
8. Add a Splash of White Wine (Optional): For an even richer and more complex sauce, consider adding a splash of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and before adding the shrimp. Let the wine reduce slightly for a minute or two before proceeding with the recipe. The wine adds depth of flavor and acidity to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here are some common questions people ask about making garlic butter shrimp:

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a convenient and perfectly acceptable option. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place it in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can place the frozen shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes, changing the water every 10 minutes. Ensure the shrimp is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Garlic butter shrimp is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture. Shrimp tends to become rubbery when reheated, and the sauce may separate slightly. However, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time – peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and squeeze the lemon juice. Then, when you’re ready to cook, it will come together in just 15 minutes. If you must make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra butter or olive oil if needed to restore moisture.

Q3: What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

A: Medium to large shrimp (26/30 or 31/40 count) are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay juicy. You can use peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on or off, depending on your preference. Shell-on shrimp can be slightly more flavorful but require extra effort to peel after cooking. Ultimately, choose shrimp that is readily available and suits your budget and preference.

Q4: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. However, if using salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the dish too salty. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level in the dish.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! You can easily add vegetables to this garlic butter shrimp recipe. Consider adding vegetables that cook quickly, such as bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or spinach. Add them to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and cook until tender-crisp before adding the shrimp. Vegetables like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms can also be a delicious addition.

Q6: How do I store leftover garlic butter shrimp?

A: Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. Be mindful that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly upon reheating, becoming slightly firmer.

Q7: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil. Dairy-free butter alternatives are widely available and work well in this recipe. Olive oil will also create a delicious, albeit slightly different, flavor profile.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this garlic butter shrimp recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming you serve it with gluten-free accompaniments like rice, quinoa, or vegetables. Be mindful of any cross-contamination if you are preparing this in a kitchen that also handles gluten-containing ingredients. If serving with pasta, ensure you use gluten-free pasta.

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