Garlic Butter Shrimp

This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is your go-to for a restaurant-quality dinner made in less than 20 minutes.

It’s juicy, savory, buttery, and rich in flavor—with just a handful of ingredients like fresh garlic, lemon juice, and (optionally) white wine to deglaze the pan and build that irresistible sauce.

It’s a dish perfect for busy weeknights, seafood lovers, and anyone following a low-carb meal plan.

Shrimp is naturally high in protein, low in fat, and quick to cook, making it a great choice for healthy dinner recipes and high-protein snacks.

Plus, this buttery garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, zoodles, or crusty bread.

 Ingredients

• 500 grams (about 1 pound) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

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• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Baguette or French bread for serving

 Directions

1. Prep the Shrimp

Make sure your shrimp are cleaned, peeled, and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.

2. Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and transfer to a warm plate.

3. Build the Garlic Sauce

Using the same skillet, add the chopped garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. If the garlic darkens too much, it may become bitter.

4. Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly and burn off the alcohol.

5. Return the Shrimp

Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Stir well to coat them in the garlicky butter sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.

6. Add Lemon & Season

Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine all the flavors.

7. Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with slices of toasted French bread or baguette to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

 Tips & Variations

• No wine? Substitute with chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice and water.

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• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.

• Low-carb meal idea: Serve with zucchini noodles or over cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb dinner.

• Protein boost: Pair it with a quinoa salad or chickpea mash to turn this into a high-protein meal.

• Make it creamy: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end for a rich and silky sauce.

 Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter or broth.

• Do not freeze: Cooked shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated.

 Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

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• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Yield: Serves 2–3 as a main course, or 4 as an appetizer

 Tools Used

• Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet

• Mixing bowls (for seasoning shrimp)

• Tongs or spatula

• Lemon squeezer (optional)

• Chopping board and knife

• Measuring spoons and cup

Final Thoughts on Garlic Butter Shrimp – Quick, Juicy & Flavor-Packed

This Garlic Butter Shrimp is a flavor-packed dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance—ready in under 20 minutes, rich in protein, and bursting with buttery, garlicky goodness.

Whether you’re cooking for guests, meal-prepping for yourself, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, this dish is a guaranteed win.