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Garlic Butter Shrimp

This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, creating a rich and glossy coating that emphasizes the natural sweetness of the seafood. The process involves infusing butter with garlic, searing the shrimp until perfectly pink, and finishing with a bright squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs for a simple yet indulgent flavor profile. The final dish is tender, juicy, and coated in a fragrant, buttery sauce that looks as appetizing as it tastes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined thoroughly thawed if frozen
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh garlic is best
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, to prevent burning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for subtle heat
  • Salt to taste salt for seasoning
  • Pepper to taste black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Begin by peeling and deveining your shrimp, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a tablespoon of butter and a splash of olive oil, waiting for the butter to melt and shimmer.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly golden, making sure not to burn it.
  4. Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the edges turn pink and start to curl, then flip them over.
  5. Cook the other side for another 2 minutes, until the shrimp are fully pink, opaque, and curl into tight 'C' shapes. They should feel firm but tender.
  6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and blend into the garlic and shrimp. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes and chopped parsley over the shrimp. Cook for another 30 seconds to let the flavors meld and the sauce to glossy up slightly.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp rest for a moment to soak in all those fragrant flavors. Serve immediately, spooning the buttery sauce over each portion.