Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a simple and flavorful dish that’s packed with the perfect combination of shrimp, garlic, and butter. Pair it with some crusty bread to dip and soak up all the delicious lemon butter sauce! 

If you're craving more delicious shrimp recipes, then be sure to try making Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil, Easy Shrimp and Grits, and Shrimp Scampi. 

When it comes to lighter fare, to me that usually includes seafood, especially shrimp. It can be prepared quickly and in so many different ways. 

I also love that shrimp can go from being completely frozen to done in less than an hour. Making it perfect for those times when you forget to take the meat out of the freezer to thaw earlier that day.

Plus the recipe possibilities for shrimp are truly endless, you can toss them in a salad, serve them with your favorite side dish, or have them on their own. There are so many flavor combinations that you can come up with them as well.

Today I will be sharing a garlic butter shrimp recipe that can be made from start to finish in less than 20 minutes with a few simple ingredients. Plus you may already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

One ‘big tip' that I have for you is to opt for a higher quality butter such as grass-fed butter for this recipe. It will make a difference. You may also prefer to use unsalted butter as well since you will be adding salt to the recipe along with the chicken broth.

Anyway...Let's get started!

Recipe Variations

• Instead of using chicken broth, try using white wine, such as pinot grigio in the same unit of measure. 
• If you prefer to saute the shrimp in 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of 4 tablespoons of butter, that will work just as well. 
• Top with some grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor. 

What Ingredients Do I Need For Garlic And Butter Shrimp?

1. Shrimp - Use fresh shrimp that are medium in size, peeled, and deveined, but with the tail still on. Make sure the shrimp is completely thawed and not frozen. 
2. Butter - Use salted or unsalted butter whichever you prefer. You will need 8 tablespoons to saute the shrimp and create the buttery sauce. 
3. Garlic - Provides an intense pungent earthly flavor to the succulent shrimp. If you prefer to use more garlic, then go for it!
4. Chicken Broth - Adds additional flavor to the sauce and makes it more savory. Feel free to use chicken stock or seafood broth or seafood stock instead if you prefer. 
5. Lemon Juice - Cuts through the fat in the sauce and provide some much needed citrus acid to the dish. 
6. Salt - Season the shrimp and prevent them from tasting bland and flat. 
7. Ground Black Pepper - Use freshly cracked black pepper to add an element of spice to season the raw shrimp before cooking. 
8. Fresh Parsley - Finish the shrimp by topping with freshly chopped parsley. This step is optional but adds more clean herb flavor. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How To Make Garlic Buttered Shrimp

Begin the easy recipe by generously seasoning the raw shrimp with salt and ground black pepper. 

Using a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat, add the butter and allow it to melt and become slightly foamy. Saute the shrimp in the butter for about 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp begins to turn light pink. 

To the same skillet, add in the minced garlic stirring frequently until fragrant.

Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer. Stir in the remaining tablespoons of butter until melted and smooth.

Gently toss the shrimp to coat in the butter-garlic mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while still warm with some crusty bread to dip in the sauce. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp?

This shrimp recipe can be served on its own with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. But if you want a few more serving options, then try these. 

• Serve over cooked pasta, such as angel hair pasta. 
• To pack in more veggies, serve over cooked zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. 
• Use it as an appetizer and serve it all by itself. 
• Make it the main protein and pair it with your favorite side dish, salad, or brothy soup. 

Tips To Make The Best Garlic And Butter Shrimp Recipe

• Even though you're using peeled and deveined shrimp, they may still require some extra prep or at the very least a thorough rinse with cold water. 
• Be sure not to overcook the shrimp. Once they begin to turn light pink and are no longer translucent, quickly finish cooking the garlic butter sauce, and remove the shrimp from the pan.  
• You may add additional salt and ground black pepper as needed to your preference. For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes as well. 
• Use fresh garlic or the jar version. However, fresh garlic works the best and is the most flavorful. 

Storage

Storage. If you have any leftover garlicky shrimp, then allow them to cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Reheat. When ready to reheat, add to a skillet on the stovetop over low heat until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave if you're short on time. 

Need More Easy Seafood Meal Ideas? Try These:

• Cod en Papillote
• Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Salmon 
• Baked Shrimp Scampi
• Salmon Patties
• Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil 
• Easy Shrimp and Grits 
• Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe 
• Sesame Shrimp
• Hibachi Shrimp

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this recipe for Garlic Buttery Shrimp? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

Original post date 07/29/2020. Updated 01/10/2024.