Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp glazed with golden garlic butter, seared to perfection in a sizzling skillet. This global-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (340g) large peeled and deveined shrimp, (56g) unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Global cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
  2. Step 2: Add shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shells are pink and firm, then remove to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter, stir in lemon zest and juice, and 1/4 cup parsley. Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and additional parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (56g) unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet?

Global seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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