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Juicy garlic butter shrimp cooked in a skillet with fresh garlic, butter sauce, parsley, and lemon

Garlic Butter Shrimp

This garlic butter shrimp is buttery, garlicky, juicy, and packed with flavor while staying incredibly easy to make. It’s a fast seafood recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, appetizers, or quick high-protein meals.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, Main Course, seafood
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: parsley and red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Garlic Press
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring spoon
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

Prep
  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
  2. Mince garlic
  3. Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper
  4. Prepare parsley garnish if using
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden.
  3. Reduce heat slightly and add butter and minced garlic. Stir continuously for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in lemon juice and toss shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
  5. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Do not overcook shrimp or they can become rubbery quickly.
  • Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
  • Add extra red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Great served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
  • Frozen shrimp works well if fully thawed and dried first.