15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a lesson in timing more than complexity. Shrimp cook so quickly that the garlic should not spend the entire time in the pan; adding it near the end keeps it fragrant and sweet instead of bitter.
A squeeze of lemon cuts through the butter and turns the pan juices into a simple sauce. Spoon everything over rice or pasta, or serve the shrimp with bread so none of the garlicky butter is left behind.
Shrimp, Butter and Garlic in the Right Order
- The entire dish cooks fast enough for a last-minute dinner.
- Adding garlic late preserves its aroma and prevents scorching.
- Lemon keeps the butter sauce bright rather than heavy.
- The pan sauce is perfect for pasta, rice or crusty bread.
15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is one of the fastest skillet dinners you can make. Large shrimp cook in minutes, so the garlic and butter are added near the end to avoid burning.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp 450 g, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season with paprika, salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in one layer and cook about 1–2 minutes per side.
- Add remaining butter and garlic; cook briefly until fragrant.
- Remove from heat when shrimp are pearly, opaque and firm.
- Finish with lemon and parsley.
Notes
Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.
A Few Details Worth Watching Closely
- Dry shrimp for better searing.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet.
- Add garlic late so it does not burn.
- Stop cooking as soon as shrimp are opaque and firm.
From Recipe to Full Plate
- Pasta
- Rice
- Crusty bread
- Salad
- Steamed vegetables
A Few More Recipes Worth Opening Next
If you enjoyed this recipe, try one of these next:
- Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp
- Easy Air Fryer Salmon Bites in 10 Minutes
- 20-Minute Lemon Garlic Chicken
What You May Want to Know Before Serving
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw and dry thoroughly before cooking.
How do I know shrimp are cooked?
FDA guidance says cooked shrimp should be pearly, opaque and firm.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil in place of butter.
