Garlic Butter Shrimp

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb large raw shrimp (shelled and deveined, Note 1); 4 garlic cloves (sliced); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons white wine; Chopped parsley ( for garnish); Angel hair pasta (cooked according to box directions, for serving)

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Garlic and butter make a heavenly combination, especially when paired with shrimp. Fresh shrimp is a good source of high-quality protein, cooks quickly, and tastes unforgettable.

It’s great for a busy weeknight but fancy enough for the weekend. Here’s why you’ll love this simple shrimp recipe:

Tender and buttery shrimp every time
Less than 20 minutes to make
Garlicky shrimp tastes stellar with any side dish

Serve this garlic shrimp recipe alongside angel hair pasta, roasted vegetables, cilantro lime rice, cauliflower rice, or scalloped potatoes for a stunning meal.

Key Ingredient Notes:

Five ingredients for a tried-and-true, succulent dish? Yes, please!

Large raw shrimp – Purchase raw, peeled, and deveined large shrimp. Since shrimp is the star ingredient, it’s best to use a high-quality variety. Wild-caught shrimp have a sweet, superior taste and a better texture. Frozen shrimp work great too, but should be defrosted first.
Garlic – Four cloves may seem like a lot, but garlic sweetens and mellows as it cooks. If you prefer a light garlic flavor, use two cloves instead of four.
Unsalted butter – Unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. Paired with the wine, it creates a rich and creamy sauce.
Salt – Salt equals flavor! Don’t forget to season the shrimp.
White wine – White wine enhances the sauce with a bright, acidic sweetness. If you don’t have white wine, lemon juice makes a great substitute.

How to make this recipe:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Be sure to use a large skillet so the shrimp has enough space.
Add the garlic and sauté until nutty and fragrant. A minute or two will do the trick, any longer and you risk burning the garlic which makes it bitter.
Add the shrimp and salt to the skillet. Cook for a couple of minutes until lightly pink, but not cooked through.
Add the remaining butter and white wine. Continue to cook the shrimp until pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks quickly so resist the urge to cook it too long. Overcooked shrimp tastes rubbery and chewy. A couple of minutes per side is all they need.

4 step by step images of making garlic butter shrimp.

Enjoy! If serving the buttery shrimp with pasta, remove the shrimp from the skillet then add the cooked pasta. Stir it into the sauce and serve with the shrimp.

Time-Saving Tips:

Make the pasta ahead of time. If you plan to pasta with the shrimp you can cook it the day before. Simply boil the pasta until al-dente then toss with a small amount of olive oil. Place the cooled noodles into a Ziploc bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
Purchase the right shrimp. Be sure to purchase shrimp that’s peeled and deveined. You can do it yourself but it takes time!
Quickly thaw the shrimp. If you have frozen shrimp and need to thaw it in a snap, you can thaw it in a bowl of cold water. Make sure the shrimp is fully submerged and it should thaw within 20 minutes or so. Pat the shrimp dry with a clean towel before using. Don’t use hot water to thaw shrimp or it can affect its tender texture.

How to serve garlic butter shrimp:

This garlic butter shrimp goes with nearly anything! Here are a few quick and easy ideas to transform it into a filling family-friendly dinner.

Steam broccoli in the microwave! Place the florets into a microwave-safe bowl, add a few tablespoons of water, then cover with a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 3 minutes then check for doneness. Toss with butter and season with salt.
Serve with white or brown rice. Steam-in-bag rice is a great option if you’re short on time!
Roast veggies while you make the shrimp! Choose vegetables that roast quickly like summer squash, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms. This way they will finish around the same time as the garlic shrimp!

Storing Tips:

Store garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat the shrimp in a large skillet on medium heat. Once the shrimp is hot, it’s ready to eat. Be careful not to overcook it.

Leftover Ideas:

If you have any leftover shrimp, try one of these delicious ways to use it up!

Serve atop pasta salad for a quick, cold lunch!
Toss with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Repurpose take-out and combine with fried rice!
Place the shrimp in warm tortillas and top with a crunchy slaw for easy tacos!
Throw them into a hoagie then top with lettuce and tomato for a quick sandwich.

FAQs:

How much shrimp do you need per person?

As an entrée served with sides, one pound of shrimp serves about 4 people. One pound of large shrimp is usually listed at 31-35 shrimp per pound. This means each person should get around 8 large shrimp. You can always purchase more if you want to play it safe and have more than enough!

How can you tell if frozen shrimp is bad?

Use your senses! If it looks slimy or it’s covered in ice, it’s best to throw it out. Alternatively, it it smells rancid or has a freezer smell, it’s not good either.

What is the best cooking method for shrimp?

The best way to cook shrimp is sautéing it quickly over medium-high heat. This results in juicy, tender shrimp with a good texture.

What wine goes best with shrimp dishes?

Crisp and refreshing white wine varieties pair the best with shrimp. Try a sauvignon blanc or an oaky chardonnay to complement all the flavors in this dish!