Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Parsley

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

Tender shrimp quickly sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley for a bright and satisfying seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes pairs large raw shrimp, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and pat dry 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined). Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the shrimp edges turn pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and curled.
  6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Step 7: Toss shrimp gently to coat in the garlic butter sauce and serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Parsley 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 Parsley?

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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