![- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Lemon wedges for serving To get the best results, measuring your ingredients accurately is key. Here are some simple tips: - Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for shrimp and butter. - Use measuring spoons for smaller ingredients like garlic and spices. - Level off dry ingredients like paprika with a straight edge for accuracy. If you do not have an ingredient, here are some swaps: - Butter: You can use olive oil for a lighter option. - Fresh garlic: Use garlic powder in a pinch, but adjust the amount to taste. - Fresh parsley: Swap with dried parsley, but use less since it’s more potent. Feel free to explore the [Full Recipe] for more details on making this dish. Melting the butter and sautéing garlic Start by taking a large skillet and placing it on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Keep an eye on it. Cooking the shrimp to perfection Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink on one side. After that, flip them over. Finishing touches with lemon and parsley Now, add the lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon to the skillet. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque. Remove the skillet from heat. Toss in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything well to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. Prep time vs cook time breakdown This dish is quick! You need about 10 minutes for prep. The cooking part takes just 5 minutes. In total, you can have this meal ready in 15 minutes. Tips for multitasking in the kitchen While the butter melts, you can chop the garlic and parsley. This saves time. When the shrimp cook, use that time to prepare any sides. Consider making a simple salad or cooking rice. This way, you enjoy a full meal without the wait. For the full recipe, check back to the ingredients list above. To make garlic butter shrimp perfect, pay close attention to the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy. Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Choosing fresh shrimp is key to great flavor. Look for shrimp that smell like the sea, not fishy. The shells should be shiny and firm. If you can, buy shrimp that are wild-caught for the best taste. Pair your garlic butter shrimp with some tasty sides. Rice or pasta works well to soak up the sauce. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. When it comes to drink pairings, white wine is best. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the shrimp. If you prefer something richer, try a buttery Chardonnay. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the types of seafood in this dish. Instead of shrimp, try scallops or crab. Both options add unique flavors and textures. You can even mix seafood for a fun twist. If you want to go plant-based, try using mushrooms instead of shrimp. They soak up the garlic butter well. Adding vegetables can also make this meal heartier. Think about adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies not only add color, but they also boost nutrition. Just sauté them in the butter before adding the shrimp. This way, everything cooks evenly and blends together. To take the flavor up a notch, play with herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme can work wonders. You might enjoy a hint of dill or oregano for a new taste. Just chop them fine and mix them in during cooking. Adjusting spice levels can also change the dish's vibe. If you want more heat, try using different peppers. Jalapeños or serrano peppers can add a kick. Add them in small amounts and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your palate. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight. To keep your garlic butter shrimp fresh, refrigerate it in an airtight container. This helps prevent odors from other foods. Ensure it cools down before placing it in the fridge. Leftover shrimp is best stored for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently. Use a skillet over low heat to warm it. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use short intervals and stir in between. Yes, you can freeze garlic butter shrimp! This is a great way to save any leftovers. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. For best results, use it within one month. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Once thawed, reheat it in a skillet for the best taste. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter shrimp later! How long does garlic butter shrimp last in the fridge? Garlic butter shrimp can last about 2-3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time? You can make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time. Just cook it, cool it down, and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. What is the best way to cook shrimp for this recipe? The best way to cook shrimp is in a hot skillet. Start with melted butter and garlic. Add shrimp, cooking until they turn pink and opaque. This method keeps them juicy and full of flavor. How to tell when shrimp are fully cooked You can tell shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and curl into a C shape. If they are gray or curled tightly, they are not done. Always check to ensure they are opaque. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water. This will ensure even cooking. This blog post covers everything you need for garlic butter shrimp. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and smart kitchen tips. I shared how to pick fresh shrimp and avoid overcooking. You found ideas for tasty variations and helpful storage advice. For the best results, don’t skip the lemon and fresh herbs. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal every time. Enjoy making garlic butter shrimp your way!](https://emmasdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/72e0ceae-3384-4a62-8b91-de2db4847b97-250x250.webp)
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Indulge in a quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight that's perfect for any dinner! This simple recipe combines succulent shrimp with rich garlic butter, lemon zest, and a hint of spice for an unforgettable dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's an easy way to impress family and friends.