Ready for a quick and delightful meal? My Pan Seared Garlic Butter Shrimp is just the thing you need! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with buttery garlic and a touch of lemon for a dish that’s not only ready in 5 minutes but also perfect for any occasion. Dive in and enjoy a delicious, protein-packed main dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
lifesaver for busy weeknights! This dish features tender shrimp cooked to perfection with a delightful blend of garlic, butter, and a splash of lemon, just like in my Shrimp Asparagus Stir Fry. It’s incredibly versatile, serving perfectly on its own or paired with pasta or rice, making it a fantastic complete meal!
I crafted this recipe to be simple yet satisfying, following the same philosophy as my Old Bay Pan Fried Shrimp and Pan Fried Cajun Shrimp! It’s all about keeping things easy while delivering a dish that’s bursting with flavor! So if you’re looking for a quick, delicious main dish packed with protein, this is it. Trust me, once you taste that zesty garlic and creamy butter with tender shrimp, you’ll be hooked. Give it a try tonight—you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Shrimp – large peeled shell with tail-on or off. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to properly defrost in the fridge the night before.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Butter – salted or unsalted.
- Garlic– freshly minced garlic.
- Lemon – fresh lemon juice is best.
- Red Pepper – ground red pepper, optional depending on preference. Can also use Cayenne Pepper but use less as it is much spicier then red pepper.
- Parsley – fresh or dried for garnish.
🦐 Shrimp Note
Opt for fresh Large to Jumbo Shrimp for a meatier bite and easier handling. Ensure they’re peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them properly following package instructions the night before.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Deep Large Skillet
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Before getting started, ensure you have a Large Deep Skillet or Wok on hand to provide ample space for cooking the shrimp.
Step 1 Add olive oil to a large deep skillet or wok and heat it over high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and cook for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2 Next, add the shrimp and butter. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink throughout.
🦐 Shrimp Cooking Pro Tip
When cooking shrimp, Avoid Overcooking them. Once they turn opaque and pink in color, they’re ready to be removed from the heat. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery shrimp.
Step 3 Finally, add lemon juice and sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes. Toss to combine and serve on a plate.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For a touch of freshness and color, garnish with Freshly Chopped Parsley.
Recipe Variations
For a hearty twist, you can transform this recipe into my Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice by simply adding rice and extra seasoning to the original recipe. Alternatively, if you prefer a touch of sweetness, swap out the seasoning for a honey sauce to make my Honey Garlic Shrimp. Both variations offer a delightful new take on this versatile dish!
Pairing Recommendations
If you are looking to elevate this dish, I recommend pairing it with my Old Bay Aioli sauce! For pairing sides, serve it alongside a refreshing salad dressed with my Caesar Dressing. For a filling pairing, try Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice or Lime Chicken Fried Rice. These options add a zesty and nutritious element to your meal, perfectly balancing the flavors of the shrimp!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Use large, raw shrimp with shells removed and tails off for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Cajun Shrimp Boil – Boiling Crab Copycat
- Shrimp Cakes with Garlic Aioli
- Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Baked Old Bay Shrimp
Watch How To Make It
Pan Seared Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
- 1/4 tsp Fresh Parsley chopped, optional
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Preheat olive oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
- Next add shrimp and butter, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turns pink all throughout.
- Add lemon juice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Toss to combine, then transfer to a serving plate.
