15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp That Will Blow Your Mind

You know those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s when my garlic butter shrimp saves the day! I discovered this recipe during a chaotic week when my sister unexpectedly showed up with friends – 15 minutes later, we were all mopping up that glorious garlicky butter sauce with crusty bread. The secret? Fresh shrimp cooks lightning fast, and that garlic-butter-lemon combo? Absolute magic. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for quick dinners, last-minute guests, or even fancy-ish date nights at home.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp

Oh, where do I even start? This garlic butter shrimp is my kitchen superhero—ready in a flash but tastes like you slaved over it. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:

• 15-minute magic: From fridge to plate faster than takeout (and way tastier!)
• Buttery garlic bliss: That sizzling garlic scent will have everyone crowding the kitchen
• Crazy versatile: Fancy over pasta, casual with rice, or downright decadent with crusty bread for sauce-dipping
• Pantry staples: No weird ingredients—just butter, garlic, and a splash of lemon you probably already have

Seriously, this recipe’s saved me from more “what’s for dinner?” meltdowns than I can count. Even my shrimp-skeptic nephew licks the plate clean!

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I mean the good stuff! This isn’t one of those “a pinch of this, a dash of that” recipes. Every item here plays a starring role:

• 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined (trust me, do this yourself – those pre-peeled ones lose all their juicy goodness)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter: The real deal, none of that margarine nonsense
• 4 cloves garlic: Minced fresh (jarred garlic? In my kitchen? Never!)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed – that bottled stuff tastes like sadness
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: Just enough to make it interesting
• Salt and black pepper: To taste (but be generous!)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped right before serving – it makes all the difference

See? Nothing fancy, just honest ingredients that make magic together. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just grab:

• A large skillet: My trusty cast iron works best for that perfect sear
• Tongs: For flipping those shrimp like a pro
• Measuring spoons: Eyeballing garlic butter? Risky business!
• A microplane or garlic press: Because minced garlic should be effortless

That’s it! Now let’s make some magic happen.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Alright, let’s get down to business! Making garlic butter shrimp is easier than you think, but there are a few tricks to get it just right. Here’s how I do it:

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First, heat that beautiful butter in your skillet over medium heat. You want it melted and just starting to bubble – that’s when you know it’s ready for the garlic. Toss in those minced cloves and listen to that glorious sizzle! Give it about 30 seconds – just until your kitchen smells like heaven. Any longer and the garlic might burn, and nobody wants that bitter taste.

Now, the shrimp! Pat them dry with paper towels (this helps them get that perfect sear) and lay them in the skillet in a single layer. Don’t crowd them! Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn that perfect pink color and curl up slightly. Watch closely – shrimp go from perfect to rubbery in seconds!

Finally, the finishing touches: splash in that fresh lemon juice, sprinkle the red pepper flakes, and season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a quick toss, then shower it with chopped parsley right before serving. The whole process takes less time than boiling pasta!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here’s my golden rules: 1) Never walk away while cooking shrimp – they cook FAST. 2) Taste the sauce and adjust spices before serving. 3) Fresh ingredients make all the difference – especially that garlic and lemon!

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp

Now for the fun part – how to serve this garlicky masterpiece! My absolute favorite? Piled high over a mound of steaming jasmine rice that soaks up all that glorious butter sauce. But honestly, this shrimp shines with just about anything:

• Crusty bread: Essential for sauce-mopping emergencies
• Angel hair pasta: Twirls up all that garlic butter goodness
• Zucchini noodles: When you want to feel virtuous
• Simple salad: The crisp greens cut through the richness

For special occasions, I’ll add lemon wedges and extra parsley for color. Sometimes I’ll even throw in some grated Parmesan if I’m feeling fancy – because why not?

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers because we gobble this up! But if you must save some, here’s how: refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, go low and slow – microwave at 50% power or warm gently in a skillet to keep those shrimp tender. tip: tip: Add a splash of water or lemon juice to revive the sauce!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Variations

Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these tasty twists:

• Parmesan party: Stir in a handful of grated Parm right at the end – it melts into the sauce beautifully
• Lime instead of lemon: Gives it a brighter, more tropical vibe
• Herb swap: Try fresh basil or cilantro instead of parsley for a whole new flavor profile
• Spice it up: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika

The best part? You can’t mess it up – just taste as you go and make it your own!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick heads up – these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients and brands. But generally, you’re looking at a protein-packed dish with good fats from that glorious butter. The shrimp bring all the nutritional benefits without weighing you down!

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Now quit reading and go make this already – your taste buds will thank you! For more recipe inspiration, check out Recipes Vault on Pinterest.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

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A quick and delicious shrimp dish cooked in garlic butter sauce, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
4. Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Notes

• Use fresh shrimp for best results.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
• Serve immediately for optimal flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 200mg