Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Paprika

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

Succulent shrimp quickly sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with smoky paprika, ideal for a fast and satisfying seafood meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 13 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
  4. Step 4: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque with slightly curled tails.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, tossing the shrimp to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Paprika 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 Butter and Paprika?

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 Butter and 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Paprika?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes