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Garlic Butter Shrimp

This garlic butter shrimp recipe involves roasting garlic to bring out its sweet, mellow aroma, then cooking tender shrimp in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. The dish has a juicy, slightly caramelized exterior with a rich, golden appearance, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with deep, toasted garlic flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 cloves garlic peeled and sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined, patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your skillet over medium-low heat, and add the butter, letting it melt slowly until it begins to foam gently. Toss in the sliced garlic and cook gently, stirring often, until fragrant and golden around the edges—about 2-3 minutes. You'll notice a rich, toasted aroma filling the kitchen.
  2. Increase the heat slightly to medium and add the peeled shrimp in an even layer. Let them sear without moving for about 1-2 minutes to develop a slight caramelization, then flip with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. You'll hear a gentle sizzle and see their color deepen.
  3. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, then toss everything gently to coat the seafood in the fragrant garlic butter. Continue cooking for another 30 seconds to meld the flavors, and sprinkle with chopped parsley along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The butter should be bubbling softly, infused with toasted garlic aroma.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, spooning over the luscious garlic butter sauce. Garnish with additional herbs if desired and serve immediately with slices of crusty bread, rice, or pasta. The shrimp should look plump, juicy, and coated in a golden, fragrant sauce ready to enjoy.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, top with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or additional fresh herbs before serving. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness; bottled can be used in a pinch but won't provide the same vibrancy.