This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is a simple and tasty dish. It features tender shrimp cooked in buttery garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. It’s great with bread or over pasta.
I like how fast this dish comes together—less than 30 minutes! I sometimes sneak in a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness. It’s one of my go-to recipes on busy nights.
For an easy serve, I keep some fresh herbs or lemon wedges nearby. It makes the dish look pretty and adds just a little extra flavor if you like.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. I often use 3-4 cloves, but you can add more if you love garlic. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder works in a pinch—just reduce the amount by half.
Butter: Unsalted butter offers a rich base. I prefer 3-4 tablespoons for flavor, but feel free to use margarine or olive oil for a healthier twist or to suit your preference.
Shrimp: Use peeled, deveined shrimp for quick cooking. Fresh or frozen works; just thaw and pat dry. If unavailable, even scallops or cubes of firm white fish are good substitutes.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps cook the shrimp evenly. I use about 1 tablespoon. Any neutral oil like avocado or canola can replace it if needed.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and flavor. Feel free to add paprika or lemon juice for extra brightness, or skip the spicy stuff for a milder dish.
How do I sear shrimp properly without overcooking?
Ensure your pan is hot before adding shrimp to get a good sear. Pat shrimp dry to prevent steaming. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high until hot. A drop of water should sizzle on contact.
- Add a bit of oil, then wait until it shimmers.
- Place shrimp in a single layer, don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Let them cook untouched for 1-2 minutes until edges turn pink.
- Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 10 minutes. Total time: 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with a little salt and pepper if desired.
2. Cook the shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine and finish
Return shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat with garlic butter. Add paprika if using. Cook 1 minute more.
5. Serve
Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot. Enjoy!
