Butter garlic shrimp is the star of this incredibly easy and delicious recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer. This recipe delivers succulent shrimp coated in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that’s ready in minutes, making it a go-to for busy home cooks.
Key Ingredients for Butter Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Butter Garlic Shrimp:
Get ready for a culinary treat that’s as simple as it is satisfying! This butter garlic shrimp recipe is a symphony of flavor, boasting plump, juicy shrimp bathed in an irresistible, creamy garlic butter sauce. It’s unbelievably quick to prepare, perfect for those moments when hunger strikes and time is short, with a total preparation time of under 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them completely. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this will make them tough. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted and begins to foam, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the garlic for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the 1/4 cup of dry white wine. Let it bubble and simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Add Lemon Juice and Season: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 30 seconds to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Serve the butter garlic shrimp immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Garlic Shrimp:
You’ll absolutely adore this butter garlic shrimp for its luxurious, savory flavor that’s incredibly easy to achieve. The star of the show is undoubtedly the succulent shrimp swimming in a dreamy, garlicky butter sauce—a simple yet sophisticated flavor profile that rivals restaurant-quality dishes. Making this at home is a fantastic cost-saver, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without the hefty price tag often associated with shrimp dishes. The vibrant herbaceous notes of fresh parsley and the bright tang of lemon elevate each bite, making it a culinary delight that’s a step above a basic sautéed shrimp. Don’t wait for a special occasion; whip up this delightful dish tonight and experience the magic of simple, flavorful cooking!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Properly storing and reheating your delicious butter garlic shrimp will ensure you can enjoy its amazing flavor for longer.
Storing Leftovers:
- Once the shrimp have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container.
- Place the container in the refrigerator.
- Butter garlic shrimp will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the shrimp itself is best fresh, the integrated sauce can also be used as a base for other dishes within this timeframe if separated into a smaller container.
Reheating Instructions:
- Stovetop (Recommended): For the best results, reheat gently on the stovetop. Place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is warmed. Avoid high heat, which can overcook the shrimp.
- Microwave: You can also reheat in the microwave. Place the shrimp and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on 50% power for short intervals (30-60 seconds), stirring in between, until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat.
Freezing for Future Meals:
While butter garlic shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if necessary, though the texture of the shrimp might be slightly altered upon thawing.
- Allow the cooked shrimp and sauce to cool completely.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Frozen butter garlic shrimp will maintain good quality for up to 1 to 2 months.
- To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as per the stovetop method.
Final Thoughts:
This butter garlic shrimp recipe is a true weeknight warrior, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Give this simple yet sensational dish a try; you’ll be delighted with how quickly you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
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Butter Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them completely. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.1 pound large shrimp, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this will make them tough. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.1 pound large shrimp
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted and begins to foam, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the garlic for about 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Pour in the 1/4 cup of dry white wine. Let it bubble and simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce.1/4 cup dry white wine
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 30 seconds to heat through.1 pound large shrimp
- Stir in the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Serve the butter garlic shrimp immediately.2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley