Garlic Butter Shrimp

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

• It’s incredibly fast — ready in about 10 minutes from start to finish.

• Minimal ingredients and steps, yet packed with flavor from butter, garlic, lemon and herbs.

• Versatile: works as a main dish, over pasta/rice, or as an appetizer.

• Easy to customize — add more garlic, herbs, or lemon depending on your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed if you prefer)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2–3 teaspoons minced garlic (feel free to use more if you love garlic)

• Juice of one lemon

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Directions

1. Place the butter in a large pan and melt over medium‑high heat. Add the shrimp, then season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.

2. Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.

4. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat — avoid overcooking to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

FAQs

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Use large shrimp (for example 16–20 count per pound). Peeled and deveined shrimp make prep quicker. You can remove the tails before or after cooking depending on presentation preference.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely, pat dry, then follow the recipe as directed.

Can I use jarred/minced garlic instead of fresh?

While fresh minced garlic yields the best flavor, you can use jarred garlic in a pinch — though taste and aroma may be milder.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of dried herbs such as parsley, oregano, basil, or a simple sprinkle of just salt and pepper. The dish will still be delicious.

Can I add more flavor/spice?

Yes. You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of white wine with the lemon juice for extra dimension.

What should I serve it with?

This shrimp goes well over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. It also works as a starter or side dish.

Is this recipe healthy?

Shrimp are low in calories and rich in protein and nutrients. The butter adds richness — for a lighter version, you could reduce the butter or mix in a little olive oil.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook just until shrimp turn pink and opaque — overcooking makes them rubbery. That usually takes 2–3 minutes per side depending on shrimp size.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes — just double the ingredients and use a large enough pan so shrimp cook evenly without overcrowding.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It tastes best fresh, but you could prep (peel/devein) shrimp ahead of time. Fully cooked shrimp should be reheated gently to preserve texture.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Shrimp is a go‑to recipe when you want something quick, satisfying and flavorful — minimal ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum deliciousness. Whether as a main dish over pasta or a simple appetizer, it’s a crowd‑pleaser that’s hard to beat.