Butter Garlic Shrimp 🧄🧈 Golden, Buttery, and Packed With Garlic Heat

— Shrimp at Its Glossy Best

Butter Garlic Shrimp is a fast, indulgent classic: juicy shrimp pan-seared in garlicky butter, finished with herbs, a touch of lemon, and zero fluff.

The flavor is deep and punchy, the texture stays perfect, and the pan sauce is made to be sopped up with crusty bread.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil (prevents butter from burning)
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon + zest (optional but excellent)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of white wine

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp very dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Zest and juice lemon, mince garlic, and chop herbs — it all goes fast.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2. Add lemon juice and optional splash of white wine. Let bubble for 30 seconds to blend.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

1. Return shrimp to pan. Toss to coat in the butter-garlic sauce.
2. Sprinkle with parsley, lemon zest, and a final pinch of salt. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Butter Garlic – Add chili flakes or a splash of chili oil
• Herbed Shrimp – Add fresh thyme or tarragon with the garlic
• Cajun Garlic Butter – Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning before searing
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Add a splash of cream or swirl in mascarpone to finish

Serving Ideas

• With toasted sourdough or garlic bread
• Over linguine, rice, or creamy polenta
• In shrimp tacos with lime crema
• Over a chopped herb salad with vinaigrette
• Cold the next day tossed into pasta salad

Pro Tips

• Keep shrimp dry for a better sear and sauce cling
• Don’t brown the garlic — cook just until fragrant
• Use real butter — salted is fine, just adjust your salt
• Add lemon zest at the end to preserve its brightness

Final Thoughts

Butter Garlic Shrimp is what happens when technique meets indulgence. It’s fast, rich, and coated in a garlic-butter gloss that feels like a win every single time — whether it’s date night or Tuesday night.

Butter hot. Garlic ready. Shrimp fast. 🧄🧈🔥

🍤 Explore More Great Shrimp Recipes

Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed — these shrimp recipes cover every cooking style, from smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re going classic or bold, there’s a method for your menu.

🔥 Grilled Shrimp – Lightly charred and perfectly seasoned over open flame.
🍤 Fried Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible.
🔥 Baked Shrimp Scampi – Oven-baked in garlicky butter and white wine.
🍽️ Air-Fried Shrimp – Crunchy texture with less oil and no mess.
🥢 Stir-Fried Shrimp – Quick wok-seared shrimp with bold flavors.
🍋 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Bright, buttery, and ready in minutes.
🍷 Shrimp Scampi – Classic stovetop scampi in a silky garlic-wine sauce.
🌶️ Cajun-Style Shrimp – Spicy, smoky, Southern-style perfection.
🧄 Butter Garlic Shrimp – Simple, rich, and loaded with garlic butter.
🍚 Shrimp Fried Rice – Savory wok-fried rice with juicy shrimp and veggies.

🌍 Regional Shrimp Recipes: From buttery Southern comfort to bold Thai curries and island-style garlic shrimp, these recipes bring global flavor to your shrimp game — no passport required.

🌺 Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – Island-style shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, just like the food trucks.
🍝 Italian Shrimp Pasta – Savory shrimp tossed with herbs, garlic, and al dente noodles.
🌮 Mexican Shrimp Tacos – Zesty, juicy shrimp with bold toppings and fresh tortillas.
🍤 Southern Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy, smoky shrimp.
🥢 Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry – Quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies and soy-sesame flavor.
🔥 Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and perfect with rice or crusty bread.
🌶️ Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-heat sauce.
🍱 Teriyaki Shrimp – Sticky-sweet glaze with a savory umami kick.
🍛 Thai Shrimp Curry – Rich coconut curry with lemongrass, chili, and herbs.