Garlic Butter Shrimp Sauté

This garlic butter shrimp recipe is my quick fix when I want something flavorful and fuss-free on busy evenings. It feels fancy but comes together in no time making it perfect for weeknights or an easy weekend dinner.

I stumbled upon this while trying to use leftover shrimp and now it is a go-to whenever I want an easy, delicious seafood dinner.

Ingredients

• Raw shrimp: peeled and deveined with tails on for extra flavor and presentation. Buying fresh or frozen shrimp with good size means plump bites.
• Unsalted butter: for rich and creamy sauce using good quality butter elevates the dish instantly.
• Olive oil: adds a subtle fruitiness and helps prevent the butter from burning.
• Fresh garlic: minced finely gives that aromatic pungency that defines the whole dish. Fresh garlic is a must here, jarred will not have the same punch.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: brings brightness and balances the richness of the butter. Always squeeze fresh lemons for best flavor.
• Fresh parsley: chopped at the end adds a pop of green and some herbal freshness. Using bright green parsley gives the dish a lovely look and flavor contrast.
• Salt: seasons the shrimp and enhances all the ingredients. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
• Freshly ground black pepper: adds a mild warmth and freshness. Grinding it fresh makes a difference here.

Instructions

Place Your Skillet Over Medium Heat:

Warm up a good sized skillet before adding any fat. This ensures even cooking of the shrimp without sticking.

Add Olive Oil And Butter:

Put both the olive oil and butter into the skillet. Let the butter melt slowly mixing with the oil. This combination prevents the butter from burning too fast and builds flavor.

Sauté The Garlic:

Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Stir continuously so it does not brown unevenly or burn. Cook until fragrant and a delicate golden color, about one to two minutes. This step infuses the base of the sauce with delicious garlicky aroma.

Cook The Shrimp:

Make sure your skillet is not overcrowded. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook for about two minutes on the first side until you see them turn pink and start curling. Flip and cook the other side for another two minutes. Proper spacing prevents steaming and ensures a nice sear.

Add Lemon Juice And Simmer:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer very briefly for about thirty seconds to marry the flavors. This final step brightens the whole dish.

Remove From Heat And Garnish:

Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot so you get the full buttery glow and fresh herbal notes.

My favorite part here has to be the quick garlic sauté. I learned the hard way that overcooking garlic makes the whole sauce bitter. Also, serving this dish with lemon wedges on the side became our family tradition for an instant flavor lift.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating multiple times or over high heat to keep shrimp juicy. I like gently warming them in a skillet with a splash of water or broth instead of the microwave to retain moistness.

Ingredient Swaps

Butter can be replaced with ghee or a high quality margarine for dairy-free versions. Using lemon zest along with juice adds an extra citrus punch if you want to play with flavor depth. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can substitute parsley depending on what you have on hand or your taste preference.

Serving Ideas

Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to catch the buttery sauce. A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness nicely. Crusty bread or garlic bread are perfect for dipping and making the meal heartier.

This recipe combines ease and elegance, making it a staple for flavorful weeknight meals.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp with tails on to ensure even cooking and easy handling.

→ How can I prevent garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic over medium heat just until fragrant and golden, about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

→ Can I use fresh herbs other than parsley?

Yes, fresh cilantro or basil can add different but complementary flavors when sprinkled at the end.

→ Is it important to cook shrimp in a single layer?

Cooking shrimp in a single layer ensures even heat distribution and helps achieve a nice sear on each piece.

→ What’s the purpose of lemon juice in this dish?

Lemon juice brightens and balances the richness of the butter and shrimp with a fresh, tangy flavor.