The Best Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

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

A sizzling dish of succulent shrimp glazed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for any occasion. This global-inspired quick meals ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, butter, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Global cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp butter and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and curled.
  2. Step 2: Stir in remaining 2 tbsp butter, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Toss in parsley, transfer to a serving dish, and serve immediately with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 The Best Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

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 The Best Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp 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 The Best Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Global quick meals 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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