Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water if you're in a hurry. Pat them very dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly rather than steam in the pan.

What's the best way to tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp have an opaque, pearly white flesh with pink and red accents. They'll form a loose "C" shape when done. If they curl up tightly into an "O" shape, they've gone too far. For extra certainty, their internal temperature should reach 120°F.

Can I make this recipe with olive oil instead of butter?

While you can substitute olive oil, you'll miss out on the rich, creamy quality that makes the butter sauce so special. If you do use olive oil, consider finishing with just a tablespoon of butter at the end for flavor.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy but still flavorful?

Certainly! Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely, and substitute the chili paste with an equal amount of tomato paste plus a tiny pinch of paprika. You'll still get wonderful depth of flavor without the heat.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (½ stick); 1 pound raw shrimp, cleaned, peeled, and deveined; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic paste; 1 tablespoon chili pepper paste or red pepper paste; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

This mouthwatering Garlic Butter Shrimp is the definition of quick luxury on a plate! Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. The succulent shrimp swim in a rich, garlicky butter sauce brightened with lemon and a hint of spice – perfect for those evenings when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From pan to plate in under 20 minutes – faster than delivery and infinitely more satisfying!
Simple Ingredients: Nothing complicated here, just everyday items that combine to create magic.
Impressive Results: This dish looks and tastes like you spent hours perfecting it, but it’s actually one of the easiest recipes in your arsenal.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main course, or topping for pasta or rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our silky sauce. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content perfectly. The butter creates that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this dish so satisfying.
Shrimp: The star of the show! Look for fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp. Larger shrimp (16-20 count per pound) give the best presentation, but any size works flavor-wise.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Don’t skimp here!
Garlic Paste: Provides that aromatic punch without the risk of burning that comes with minced garlic. It distributes more evenly throughout the sauce too.
Chili Pepper Paste: Adds depth and a gentle heat that balances the richness of the butter. You can adjust according to your spice preference.
Fresh Lemon Juice: The acidity cuts through the butter and brightens everything up. Always use fresh – the bottled stuff just isn’t the same.
Dried Parsley: Adds a pop of color and subtle herbaceous notes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit more heat and visual interest. Adjust to your personal spice tolerance.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Herb Lover’s Version

Swap the dried parsley for a mixture of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a garden-fresh twist.

Mediterranean Style

Add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes, some crumbled feta, and fresh oregano during the last minute of cooking.

Coconut Lime Version

Replace half the butter with coconut cream, use lime instead of lemon, and add a splash of fish sauce for a Thai-inspired variation.

Wine and Cream Finish

Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the final butter, then stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream for extra richness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to foam slightly.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

While the butter is melting, season your cleaned and deveined shrimp generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Immediately add the garlic paste and chili pepper paste, stirring everything together. The shrimp will start to turn pink within minutes – resist the urge to overcook! They’ll need just 4-5 minutes total.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Once the shrimp are nearly cooked through, add the fresh lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir continuously as the butter melts, creating a glossy, emulsified sauce that coats each shrimp beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with dried parsley and red pepper flakes, give everything a quick toss, and remove from heat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Crowd the Pan: If cooking a large batch, work in portions so each shrimp has room to sear rather than steam.
Watch for Doneness: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly. They’re done when they form a “C” shape – if they curl into an “O,” they’re overcooked.
Room Temperature Butter: For the second addition of butter, having it slightly softened helps it incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
Hot Pan, Cold Oil: Make sure your pan is properly heated before adding the butter for a better sear on the shrimp.
Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture with paper towels before cooking for better browning and to prevent diluting your sauce.

How to Serve

As a Main Course

Serve over fluffy jasmine rice, creamy polenta, or al dente pasta to soak up all that incredible sauce. A simple side of steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli makes the perfect complement.

As an Appetizer

Arrange on a platter with toothpicks and lemon wedges, or serve in small dishes with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Surf and Turf Style

Pair with a perfectly cooked steak for a special occasion dinner that rivals any high-end restaurant.

In Tacos

Tuck into warm corn tortillas with some avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for amazing shrimp tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled shrimp and sauce to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the texture is best when fresh.

Freezing

While not ideal for preserving texture, you can freeze garlic butter shrimp for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through – about 2-3 minutes. Add a small pat of butter if the sauce has separated. Avoid microwave reheating which can make shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water if you’re in a hurry. Pat them very dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly rather than steam in the pan.
What’s the best way to tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp have an opaque, pearly white flesh with pink and red accents. They’ll form a loose “C” shape when done. If they curl up tightly into an “O” shape, they’ve gone too far. For extra certainty, their internal temperature should reach 120°F.
Can I make this recipe with olive oil instead of butter?

While you can substitute olive oil, you’ll miss out on the rich, creamy quality that makes the butter sauce so special. If you do use olive oil, consider finishing with just a tablespoon of butter at the end for flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy but still flavorful?

Certainly! Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely, and substitute the chili paste with an equal amount of tomato paste plus a tiny pinch of paprika. You’ll still get wonderful depth of flavor without the heat.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most spectacular. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a dish that feels like a special occasion any night of the week. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and rich butter creates something far greater than the sum of its parts. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds (and dinner companions) will thank you!