Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Herb Butter

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

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Tender shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic and herb butter sauce, perfect for a quick seafood meal. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 13 minutes, pairs large 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 280 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: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, then sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 5 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, then add remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter, swirling the pan until the butter melts and forms a glossy sauce coating the shrimp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with crusty bread or over pasta.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Herb Butter?

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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Herb Butter?

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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Herb Butter 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Herb Butter?

Mediterranean 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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