Garlic Butter Shrimp
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Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is the fastest seafood dinner there is. Shrimp sear in a hot skillet, then bathe in a butter sauce loaded with garlic and lemon. This recipe serves four and takes 15 minutes start to finish. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with bread to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque. Remove to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, then return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat.
- Stir in the parsley and serve right away over rice, pasta, or with bread.
Tips and variations
- Cook the shrimp hot and fast. Two minutes a side is usually enough, and overcooked shrimp turn tough.
- Mince the garlic fresh and add it after the shrimp so it stays sweet instead of burning.
- Pat the shrimp dry before they hit the pan so they sear and pick up color.
- Serve over angel hair pasta or rice, or with crusty bread to catch the garlic butter.
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Common questions
- How long does it take to cook shrimp
- Large shrimp need only 1 to 2 minutes per side. They are done the moment they turn pink and curl into a loose C shape.
- Fresh or frozen shrimp
- Both work. Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water and pat them dry before cooking so they sear instead of steam.
- How do I avoid burning the garlic
- Add the garlic after the shrimp are seared and removed, over medium heat. Cook it just until fragrant, about a minute.
- What should I serve with garlic butter shrimp
- Rice, pasta, or bread all soak up the sauce. A green salad or steamed vegetables round out the plate.
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