10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

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Introduction

If you are looking for a quick, mouth-watering seafood dish that comes together in a flash, Garlic Butter Shrimp is the ultimate recipe! Featuring juicy, tender shrimp seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce with a splash of fresh lemon juice, this dish is bursting with flavor. Ready in just 10 minutes, it is impossible to stop eating and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tail-on or tail-off).
  • Seasoning: ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ tsp paprika.
  • Oil: 1 tbsp olive oil (for high-heat searing).

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • Unsalted Butter: 3 tbsp.
  • Garlic: 4 to 5 cloves minced.
  • Lemon Juice: 1.5 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Chicken/Vegetable Broth or White Wine: 2 tbsp (optional, for deglazing).
  • Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ tsp for a gentle warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Shrimp:
    • Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels (dry shrimp sears better and gets a beautiful golden crust).
    • Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  2. Sear the Shrimp:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add the shrimp in a single layer (do not overcrowd the pan).
    • Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on the first side until pink and translucent around the edges.
    • Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1 minute. Transfer shrimp temporarily to a plate.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
    • Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
    • Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic!
    • Pour in the lemon juice and broth (or white wine), scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  4. Toss and Serve:
    • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in the velvety garlic butter sauce.
    • Remove from heat, stir in the freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges!

Chef’s Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks extremely fast! As soon as they turn opaque pink and form a C-shape, remove them from heat so they stay tender and juicy.
  • Use Fresh Lemon & Garlic: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh garlic make a huge difference in achieving a bright, vibrant flavor compared to bottled or pre-minced versions.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice, angel hair pasta, or with warm crusty bread to soak up every drop of the garlic butter sauce.

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