Description
This garlic shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home in just 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice, creating a perfectly balanced flavor. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this easy shrimp recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4–5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium lemon (juiced)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup dry white wine (for enhanced flavor)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (for a deeper taste)
- 1 tsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. This helps them sear properly without excess moisture.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt completely until slightly bubbling.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly curled. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the shrimp. Pour in lemon juice and stir to coat evenly.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley or cilantro. If using white wine, add it just before finishing and let it simmer for 30 seconds.
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- For a deeper flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce.
- Pairing suggestions: Serve with garlic herb focaccia or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with additional olive oil or vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of the recipe)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: garlic shrimp recipe, easy shrimp recipe, shrimp scampi, lemon garlic shrimp, seafood dinner, quick shrimp recipe, healthy shrimp recipe