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The Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

This Garlic Butter Shrimp is so simple yet outrageously delicious and ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these succulent shrimp are coated in a rich, zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that elevates every bite.
Print Recipe
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled deveined and patted dry
  • ¾ teaspoon salt* divided (see notes below) or taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons butter divided
  • 4 large garlic cloves finely chopped
  • ¼ cup stock** or wine (see notes below)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Add shrimp to a bowl and toss it with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper and one pinch sugar.
  • Add the olive oil in a large pan and let it heat up over medium heat.
  • Add the shrimp, spread into an even layer, and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
  • Add 4 tablespoons butter to the pan and let it melt. Add the garlic and pale golden in color, for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the stock or wine, lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes and remaing ¼ teaspoon salt. Let it come to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or thickened slightly.
  • Stir in the shrimp along with the remaining juices and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Serve with toasted bread, pasta or rice.

Notes

*SALT: Salt depends on the use of stock or wine used. Adjust based on your taste. I used 33% reduced sodium stock. If you use regular or no sodium stock, adjust salt accordingly. Make sure to pat dry the shrimp before cooking. Don't overcook your shrimp. Remove when they are almost done.
**STOCK:
  • Chicken Stock: This is a versatile choice and pairs well with garlic butter shrimp, adding a subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
  • Vegetable Stock: A great option if you're looking for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly alternative. It complements the lemon and garlic flavors nicely.
  • Seafood Stock: If you want to enhance the shrimp's natural seafood flavor, this is the ideal choice. It's especially fitting for seafood-focused dishes.
Keyword All seasons, Dairy free, Stovetop