The Perfect Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Sizzling garlic butter shrimp converts ordinary seafood into a culinary masterpiece that dances with intense flavors.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this delectable dish for its rich, aromatic profile.

Succulent shellfish absorb every hint of herb-infused butter, creating a mouthwatering experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Seafood lovers appreciate how quickly this elegant meal comes together with minimal ingredients.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore the simplicity and dramatic presentation of these golden, caramelized morsels.

Each bite promises a burst of robust garlic and smooth, silky butter that melts luxuriously on your palate.

The secret lies in high heat and precise timing to achieve those perfect, crisp edges.

Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

• Quick and Flavorful Feast: This garlic butter shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Sensational Texture Explosion: Crispy edges meet tender, juicy shrimp interiors, creating a mouthwatering contrast that will tantalize your taste buds with every single bite.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Even novice home cooks can nail this recipe with its simple sautéing technique, requiring minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills to achieve professional-level deliciousness.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Easily adaptable as a standalone dish, pasta topper, or appetizer, this shrimp recipe works wonderfully for intimate dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood protein that provides the main flavor and texture of the dish, best when fresh and deveined.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and helps balance the rich butter sauce.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a robust and intense flavor profile, freshly minced for maximum pungency.
• Paprika: Mild, sweet spice that adds warm color and subtle depth to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spicy ingredient that provides a gentle heat kick.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances and balances overall flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Rich, creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce and adds deep flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent butter from burning and provides additional subtle taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Light thickening agent that helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds bright color and fresh herbaceous note to finish the dish.

Cooking Guide for Sizzling Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season Shrimp

• Flour
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently toss to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Butter
• Olive oil

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

Arrange shrimp in a single layer across skillet. Cook first side until bottom turns pink, approximately 2 minutes. Flip and cook opposite side until just done, about 2 additional minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over shrimp.

Tips for Perfectly Seared Garlic Shrimp

• Pat Dry for Crispy Perfection: Removing excess moisture ensures shrimp develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Avoid Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic quickly at medium-low heat to release its aromatic flavors without turning bitter or scorching.
• Create Even Cooking Layer: Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee each piece cooks uniformly and develops a delicious caramelized edge.
• Master Precise Cooking Time: Watch for color changes- shrimp turn from translucent to opaque pinkish-white, which signals they're perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery.
• Upgrade with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and elevate the dish's visual appeal.

Storage and Reheat Instructions for Shrimp

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking.
• Quick Tip: Avoid microwaving shrimp as it can make them rubbery and tough, compromising the delicate texture and flavor of the garlic butter sauce.

Pairing Recommendations for Garlic Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the garlic butter shrimp's rich, zesty flavors. Their light, acidic notes cut through the buttery sauce and enhance the seafood's delicate taste.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: A light, fluffy quinoa side dish with fresh herbs like parsley and dill creates a balanced meal. The grains absorb the garlic butter sauce while providing a nutritious, protein-packed accompaniment.
• Match with Citrusy Mixed Green Salad: A bright salad with lemon vinaigrette echoes the dish's citrus notes. Fresh greens, cucumber, and a light dressing provide a crisp contrast to the rich, warm shrimp.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Artisan sourdough or French baguette helps soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Its crusty exterior and soft interior make it the perfect vehicle for capturing every last drop of flavor.

Creative Variations on Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Spicy Coconut Shrimp Sensation: Replace olive oil with coconut oil and add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical flavor profile. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap paprika with dried oregano and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese on top and finish with a drizzle of white wine before serving.
• Cajun Seafood Remix: Substitute cayenne with Cajun seasoning blend. Include diced bell peppers and onions during cooking for a New Orleans-style experience. Serve over dirty rice for a complete meal.
• Lemon Herb Zinger: Increase lemon juice quantity and incorporate fresh dill and chives. Add lemon zest to the flour mixture for a bright, citrusy undertone. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for added freshness.

Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp delivers Mediterranean coastal charm with succulent prawns dancing in rich, herbed butter. Zesty lemon and parsley elevate this quick seafood classic that promises restaurant-quality flavor in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (slightly packed) minced fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Fats and Aromatics:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced into 1 tablespoon pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully pat the shrimp with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
2. Create a seasoning blend by combining flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt, thoroughly coating the shrimp to enhance flavor and promote a delicate crust.
3. Craft a flavor base by gently melting butter and olive oil together in a spacious non-stick skillet, creating a rich cooking medium.
4. Infuse the cooking fat with aromatic garlic, sautéing briefly to release its fragrant essence without risking burning.
5. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer across the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-pink coloration on the first side.
6. Flip the shrimp with precision, cooking the opposite side until they transform into a translucent, tender texture indicating perfect doneness.
7. Elevate the dish’s brightness by drizzling fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, awakening their natural sweetness.
8. Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant green garnish that adds both visual appeal and herbaceous notes.
9. Serve immediately, generously spooning the residual garlic butter sauce from the pan over the shrimp to maximize flavor intensity.

Notes

• Perfectly seasoned shrimp get a flavor boost from a magical combination of butter, garlic, and zesty spices that’ll make your taste buds dance.
• Quick cooking technique ensures tender, juicy shrimp that are never rubbery, making this an ideal meal for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 250 mg