Can a skillet meal truly deliver restaurant-level flavor in just minutes?
The answer is a resounding yes! This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet recipe takes juicy shrimp and coats them in a silky, garlicky, butter sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s the perfect choice for a gourmet weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with family and friends!
Not only is this recipe bursting with flavor, but it’s also easy to adapt and loaded with nutrition. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering skillet dish:
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
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Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
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Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
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Add minced garlic to the melted butter.
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Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
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Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
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Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
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Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using).
Step 5: Finish with Butter
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Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
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Let it melt and coat the shrimp in a luscious sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp.
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Serve immediately with lemon wedges for brightness.
Variations
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat!
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Herb-Infused: Try using fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary in place of parsley.
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Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for an umami bomb.
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Creamy Garlic Butter: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream to create a creamy garlic butter sauce.
Cooking Notes
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Shrimp Quality: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work best. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp to ensure juicy results.
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Garlic Timing: Garlic burns quickly—sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
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Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice right at the end helps brighten the entire dish.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp skillet is so versatile! Here are some ideas:
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Serve over pasta like linguine or angel hair for a restaurant-worthy meal.
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Pair with crusty bread to soak up that garlicky butter sauce.
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Toss with rice or quinoa for a quick, healthy dinner.
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Serve on skewers for a fun party appetizer.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warm.
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Freezing: Not recommended—shrimp tend to lose their texture after freezing.
Timing
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Yield:
4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 700mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
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Butter Swap: Use half butter and half olive oil to reduce saturated fat.
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Low-Sodium: Opt for unsalted butter and reduce added salt.
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Veggie Add-Ins: Add fresh spinach, zucchini noodles, or bell peppers for extra fiber and vitamins!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking Shrimp: They only need about 2 minutes per side! Overcooking makes them rubbery.
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Skipping Lemon Juice: Acid balances the richness of the butter and brightens the dish.
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Crowding the Pan: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
Conclusion
There you have it: a restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet in just 15 minutes! This recipe is proof that gourmet meals can be simple, satisfying, and absolutely mouthwatering.
Try it tonight! Share your creations and let us know what twists you love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking!
Q: How do I know when shrimp are done?
A: Shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the tails curl inwards when fully cooked.
Q: Can I use ghee instead of butter?
A: Yes! Ghee adds a nutty flavor and is a great alternative.
Q: How do I make it less garlicky?
A: Reduce the garlic to 1 clove or sauté it whole and remove it before adding the shrimp.
Q: What other protein can I use?
A: Scallops, chunks of firm white fish, or even chicken breast pieces work well!
GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP SKILLET
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet featuring tender shrimp in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side.
5. Add lemon juice and smoked paprika, if using.
6. Add remaining tablespoon of butter to coat the shrimp.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best texture.
Avoid overcooking shrimp; they become rubbery quickly.
Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, skillet shrimp, easy shrimp dinner