Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet – Ready in 15 Minutes!
Hey there, friend!
Before we dive into this buttery, garlicky dream, I just want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for stopping by, for trusting me with your meals, and for making space in your kitchen and heart for the recipes I share. This one’s special – quick, easy, packed with flavor, and wildly satisfying. If you haven’t already, subscribe to get this recipe (and more like it!) straight to your inbox – hot, fresh, and fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp
Let’s talk about what you’re seeing in that skillet: plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a golden garlic butter sauce that’s speckled with parsley and bursting with aroma.
It’s weeknight magic, date-night worthy, and holiday-party friendly – I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
🧡 Reasons to Swoon:
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Ready in just 15 minutes – start to finish!
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Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor.
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Perfect as an appetizer or main course.
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Totally low-carb and gluten-free.
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Can be made spicy or mild, depending on your mood.
🧄 What Does It Taste Like?
Think: sizzling butter, roasted garlic warmth, a slight citrus zing, and shrimp so tender they almost melt in your mouth. This recipe delivers bold yet balanced flavor with every bite – anything but boring!!
Benefits of This Recipe
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Fast & Effortless: Perfect for busy nights.
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Nutritious: High-protein, low-carb, low-calorie.
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Customizable: Make it spicy, lemony, or even creamy.
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Crowd-Pleasing: Great for guests, or a cozy dinner for one.
Ingredients
Here's what you’ll need:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of ½ lemon
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1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for color and warmth)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large skillet (cast iron is 🔥 here)
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Spatula or tongs
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Knife and cutting board
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Citrus juicer (optional but handy!)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Make it yours! Try these twists:
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Swap butter for ghee for a nutty finish.
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Add a splash of white wine after the garlic – flavor bomb!
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Stir in a tablespoon of cream or coconut milk for a creamy version.
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Use cilantro or basil if parsley isn’t your jam.
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Add diced cherry tomatoes for a summery spin.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the shrimp: Pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Heat the skillet: Add olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
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Sauté the garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
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Cook the shrimp: Lay shrimp in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
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Make it saucy: Add remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir until the butter melts into a silky sauce.
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Serve immediately with a drizzle of the garlicky pan sauce over top.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp
Oh, this is where it gets fun:
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Over buttery mashed potatoes
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Tossed with linguine or orzo
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On top of a cauliflower rice bowl
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With crusty bread to soak up all that liquid gold (trust me!)
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Alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter touch
Tips for Success
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Don’t overcook your shrimp – they go from juicy to rubbery quick!
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Use raw shrimp – precooked will dry out.
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Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. It’s the star 🌟
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Double the sauce if you're a dipper or serving with pasta.
How to Store
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
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Freezer: Not ideal for freezing – the shrimp texture can suffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking.
What if I don’t have lemon?
Try a splash of white wine or a dash of vinegar for acidity.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes – substitute with vegan butter or olive oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the shrimp in batches so they sear, not steam.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp is the dinner miracle you didn’t know you needed – elegant, effortless, and endlessly delicious. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this is a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.
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Try These Other Easy Shrimp Recipes Next
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Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp
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Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
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Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 210
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Protein: 23g
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Fat: 12g
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Carbs: 2g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 0g