Garlic butter shrimp, oh how I adore you! This recipe is a symphony of simple flavors that come together in perfect harmony. I still remember the first time I made garlic butter shrimp for my family. The smell alone filled the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. It’s a dish that’s become synonymous with comfort, quick weeknight meals, and happy smiles around the dinner table. Prepare for your taste buds to be utterly delighted by this incredible garlic butter shrimp recipe!
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Why You Will Love This garlic butter shrimp Recipe
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It is incredibly comforting, ridiculously fast to make, and bursting with delicious flavor. What I love most is its simplicity, allowing the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through, enhanced by the pungent garlic and rich butter. It takes just minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last minute gatherings.
I often pair this dish with a side of pasta, transforming it into a stunning shrimp scampi pasta experience. My kids absolutely inhale it, and honestly, so do I! This recipe is a testament to the fact that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated.
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Ingredients Needed for This garlic butter shrimp Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta, for serving (optional, for shrimp scampi pasta)
How to Make This garlic butter shrimp Recipe
- 1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the butter.
- 2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the melted butter. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Watch closely so the garlic does not burn.
- 3. Pour in the white wine (if using) and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
- 4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook the shrimp, or they will become rubbery.
- 5. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
- 6. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own with some crusty bread!
This garlic butter shrimp comes together so quickly; you can have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes!
How to Serve This garlic butter shrimp Recipe
This versatile garlic butter shrimp can be served in many ways. Spoon it over a bed of perfectly cooked linguine for a classic shrimp scampi pasta dish. Alternatively, serve it with crusty bread for dipping in the savory garlic butter sauce. A side of steamed rice or quinoa also complements this dish beautifully.
Top it off with a sprinkle of extra parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a grating of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Consider serving it with a light salad to balance the richness of the dish. You could even use it as a filling for tacos or wraps!
How to Store This garlic butter shrimp Recipe
Leftover garlic butter shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the shrimp in a freezer safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can make the shrimp tough. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make This garlic butter shrimp Recipe
- For best results, use fresh shrimp. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and opaque, but still slightly tender.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
- Use good quality butter for the best flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note. Don’t skip it!
- Consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
Helpful Notes for This garlic butter shrimp Recipe
The dry white wine adds depth of flavor to the sauce, but it can be omitted if you prefer. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be substituted.
For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or half and half at the end.
Use a good quality skillet that distributes heat evenly to prevent hot spots and ensure the shrimp cook evenly.
Variation of This garlic butter shrimp Recipe
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
If you are looking for a creamy version, add cream cheese for a thicker sauce.
In the summer, grill raw shrimp on skewers marinated in butter, garlic & herbs. The grill adds some char flavor.
How do you keep garlic butter shrimp from being rubbery?
The key to avoiding rubbery shrimp is to not overcook them. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque, usually only a few minutes per side over medium heat. Also ensure your pan is hot before adding the shrimp.
What goes well with garlic butter shrimp?
Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides, including pasta, rice, vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or crusty bread for dipping in the delicious garlic butter sauce. Quinoa or couscous also make excellent pairings.
Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming watery and rubbery.
What is the best way to store leftover garlic butter shrimp?
Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan on the stove or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Conclusion
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Its simplicity belies its incredible flavor, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables, and be sure to explore more easy dinner recipes, quick seafood dishes, and one-pan meals on Recipes Charming for more inspiration.
Give this garlic butter shrimp recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below-I’d love to hear how you made it your own!