Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges, for serving

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in minutes, this recipe is perfect for a speedy weeknight meal or an elegant appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is simple to make yet packed with bold flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and tender shrimp creates a savory, mouthwatering skillet meal that pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Stir in remaining butter and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes

Variations

Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add extra chili flakes or cayenne.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in a splash of heavy cream.
Herb Butter Shrimp: Mix butter with thyme or rosemary.
Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce and ginger to the garlic butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving, which may overcook the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What size shrimp should I use?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for sautéing.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute butter with a plant-based version.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes.

What should I serve it with?

Rice, pasta, salad, or garlic bread.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but cook briefly to avoid rubbery texture.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

They turn pink and curl into a “C” shape.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach or zucchini work well added after shrimp are seared.

Is it keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat.

Can I use lemon zest?

Yes, it adds brightness to the sauce.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is a fast and elegant dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Perfectly seared shrimp coated in garlicky, buttery goodness make it a standout for any meal.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is a quick and delicious dish made with shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Stir in remaining butter and lemon juice, tossing to coat shrimp evenly.
Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.