Garlic Butter Shrimp
Quick and flavorful shrimp sautéed in garlic butter — ready in 15 minutes. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the 1.5 lbs peeled and deveined large shrimp dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated. Tip: Drying the shrimp prevents steaming instead of searing, which ensures a crisp exterior.
- Step 2: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 2 tbsp butter. Melt the butter until it shimmers and becomes slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, leaving space between each piece. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, until the edges turn pink and opaque, then carefully flip and cook 2 minutes longer. Remove the shrimp to a plate. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed to maintain even cooking.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and 6 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Tip: Garlic burns quickly; keep a close eye on it to avoid bitterness.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup white wine and 2 tbsp lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan with a spoon. Simmer for 1 minute, until the liquid reduces by half and becomes slightly syrupy.
- Step 6: Return the shrimp to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly in the buttery sauce, ensuring the pieces are well-dressed.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes over the shrimp, then stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Cook for 30 seconds, until the herbs are fragrant and the sauce thickens slightly. Tip: Add the parsley at the end to preserve its bright flavor.
- Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, while the shrimp is warm and the sauce is glossy, with crusty bread or over steamed rice to soak up the buttery juices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic Butter Shrimp take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Garlic Butter Shrimp?
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 butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Butter Shrimp?
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 Garlic Butter Shrimp 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 Garlic Butter Shrimp?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A simple, delicious dish. The garlic really stood out.
- ★★★★★
Served with rice. A restaurant-quality dish at home.
- ★★★★★
Creamy and flavorful. The shrimp was perfectly cooked.