A Quick, RIDICULICIOUS Shrimp Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat
There are days when we all need a fast dinner solution, and this garlic butter shrimp is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s the same buttery, garlicky method I use in my 3 Ways to Cook Shrimp video, but today I’m giving it a moment of its own because it’s too good not to share.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I MAY EARN A COMMISION IF YOU PURCHACE. PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.
This shrimp cooks in just a couple of minutes, and the flavor is unbelievable for how simple it is. The butter melts down into a glossy sauce, the garlic gets fragrant, and the shrimp soak it all in. Then everything finishes with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon that makes the whole dish pop. And yes… it’s absolutely RIDIC-ULICIOUS.
Table of contents
- A Quick, RIDICULICIOUS Shrimp Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat
- Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I double this recipe?
- What can I serve garlic butter shrimp with?
- Reader Favorites
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp
- It’s incredibly fast. We’re talking 5 minutes from start to finish.
- Just a few ingredients. Butter, garlic, shrimp, parsley, lemon, and seasoning.
- So versatile. Serve it with pasta, rice, veggies, or on its own.
- Perfect for busy nights. Or when you need something quick for lunch (Rod loves this for lunch!).
- Amazing flavor with zero effort. Don’t you love when that happens?
Ingredients You’ll Need
A short, simple ingredient list makes this shrimp recipe shine.
- Shrimp – fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined
- Butter
- Fresh garlic
- Salt & black pepper
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by melting a couple tablespoons of butter in a hot skillet. As it melts, the edges will begin to foam slightly — that’s your cue that the garlic is ready to go in.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, add your minced garlic. Stir it around for 20–30 seconds, just until fragrant. You don’t want it to burn, so keep it moving.
Step 3: Add the Shrimp & Season
Add your shrimp right into the garlic butter and immediately season with salt and pepper. This step boosts all the flavors while giving the shrimp that delicious, savory depth.
Step 4: Sauté
Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, depending on their size. They’re done when they’re pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
Step 5: Add Parsley & Lemon
Right before serving, sprinkle on fresh parsley and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The brightness from the lemon brings the buttery garlic sauce to life.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately — shrimp cool quickly — over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. As soon as they turn pink, pull them from the heat.
- Fresh garlic matters. The jarred stuff works in a pinch, but freshly minced has the best flavor.
- Use unsalted butter if possible. You can control the seasoning better this way.
- Add chili flakes if you like a little heat.
- Try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear nicely instead of steaming.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just cook the shrimp in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan.
What can I serve garlic butter shrimp with?
This shrimp is great with pasta, rice bowls, salads, roasted veggies, or tucked into a warm tortilla for shrimp tacos.
Love spending time in the kitchen or by the grill? You’ll love my Foodie & Griller apparel — made for cooks who do it with style
Reader Favorites
GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 lemon for squeezing
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant, stirring often.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and immediately season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the shrimp and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve immediately over rice, pasta, veggies, or enjoy as-is.
Notes
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove them as soon as they turn pink.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Frozen shrimp work great — thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
- Delicious added to rice bowls, pasta, or tucked into a warm tortilla.