Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic, Butter, Lemon, and Parsley

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

Juicy shrimp seared in garlic butter with a bright lemon finish and fresh parsley, ready in 25 minutes for a restaurant-quality dinner. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside. Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice and cook for 30 seconds to combine.
  6. Step 6: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 1 minute until heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic, Butter, Lemon, and Parsley take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic, Butter, Lemon, and Parsley?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic, Butter, Lemon, and Parsley?

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 Shrimp with Garlic, Butter, Lemon, and Parsley for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Shrimp with Garlic, Butter, Lemon, and Parsley?

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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