Garlic Butter Shrimp

How to make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Prep10 minutesCook8 minutesTotal18 minutes

This succulent Garlic Butter Shrimp is perfect as an appetizer or as a full meal! It’s also extremely quick and easy to make and ready in less than 20 minutes.

The shrimp are lovingly pan-fried in an amazing garlicky butter, with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)

1 pound shrimp (large or jumbo, shelled)

¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

6 cloves garlic (minced)

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions:

Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter to a large skillet, over medium high heat.

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.

Season with salt.

Flip over and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add garlic:

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds or until aromatic. Do not burn.

Finish the shrimp:

Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley.

Turn off the heat.

Serve immediately.

Equipment

12-inch Cast Iron Skillet

When buying fresh shrimp, it should not have a fishy smell.

Fresh shrimp, like other seafood, should smell clean, like saltwater, or the sea.

Press the body of the shrimp with your finger. If your finger leaves an indentation, that shrimp isn’t fresh.

Never thaw shrimp on the counter as this can be dangerous, always thaw it in the refrigerator.

Freshly cooked shrimp is really at it’s best when served immediately, but is perfectly fine in the fridge for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container.

Allow cooked shrimp to cool completely before placing in airtight freezer bags or containers, and store up to 3-4 months.

When ready to use, take them directly from the freezer to your pan for reheating.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Make sure to properly thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking. Avoid thawing shrimp on the counter to prevent bacterial growth.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the dish?

Absolutely! The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which provides a mild to moderate level of heat.

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.

Can I substitute the olive oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.

Keep in mind that different oils have different flavors, so it may slightly alter the taste of the dish.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter if you prefer. However, if you do so, you may want to adjust the amount of salt you add to the recipe to avoid over-salting the dish.

Taste the shrimp before adding additional salt, as salted butter already contains some salt.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?

While fresh parsley provides the best flavor and aroma, you can use dried parsley as a substitute if you don’t have fresh on hand.

However, keep in mind that dried parsley has a more concentrated flavor, so you may want to use a smaller amount compared to the fresh parsley called for in the recipe.

Start with half the amount and adjust to taste.

Can I use a different type of seafood instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Other types of seafood like scallops or even fish fillets can be substituted for shrimp.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the seafood is cooked through.

Can I use dried minced garlic instead of fresh garlic cloves?

While fresh garlic provides the best flavor, you can use dried minced garlic as a substitute. Use approximately 1 teaspoon of dried minced garlic for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic called for in the recipe.

Can I omit the red pepper flakes if I don’t want it spicy?

Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely. The dish will still be delicious with the garlicky butter flavor.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! Grilling the shrimp can add a smoky flavor to the dish. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can use dried parsley as a substitute for fresh parsley. Use approximately 1/3 of the amount of fresh parsley called for in the recipe.

For example, if the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.