Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Smoked Paprika

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

Succulent Gulf shrimp quickly pan-seared in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with smoky paprika and fresh parsley for a simple yet flavorful seafood dish. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb large raw shrimp and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and foamy.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side without moving until edges turn pink and start to crisp.
  5. Step 5: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to finish with bright, fresh flavors.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Smoked Paprika?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Smoked Paprika?

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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Smoked Paprika 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 Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Smoked Paprika?

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.

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