Classic Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp
This classic easy garlic butter shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and parsley, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- large skillet
- paper towels
- serving dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4-5 garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- If necessary, peel and devein the shrimp, then pat them very dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and sizzling.
- Add half of the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove to a clean plate.
- Add another tablespoon of butter if needed and cook the remaining shrimp; remove the second batch to the plate with the first.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant; stir in red pepper flakes now if desired.
- Return all cooked shrimp to the pan, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them, and sprinkle with fresh parsley; toss gently to coat.
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice sear.