Butter Garlic Shrimp is a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The shrimp are juicy and tender, coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. It comes together in just minutes but tastes like something from a coastal restaurant.

What makes this recipe such a go-to is the way it elevates simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. With a handful of pantry staples and a bit of fresh parsley or lemon, you can bring this savory, buttery, garlicky magic to life right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Garlic Shrimp

This dish is fast, flavorful, and flexible. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce. It takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, yet it delivers bold flavor in every forkful. Whether you’re meal prepping or just winging dinner, this shrimp recipe won’t let you down.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Large or jumbo raw shrimp work best here. Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save yourself time. Tail-on shrimp make a pretty presentation, but if you’re going for ease of eating, tail-off works just as well. Fresh or frozen both work—just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Ingredients for the Butter Garlic Shrimp

The magic in this dish comes from the balance of rich butter and aromatic garlic. Everything else is just there to complement and enhance that duo.

Shrimp
Unsalted butter
Garlic
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley

How To Make the Butter Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in a colander under cold running water. Pat them very dry with paper towels so they sear instead of steam.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and half of the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan—work in batches if needed.

Step 4: Add Butter and Lemon

Return all the shrimp to the pan, lower the heat, and add the rest of the butter along with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dish.

How to Serve and Store Butter Garlic Shrimp

Butter Garlic Shrimp is best served immediately while the shrimp are tender and juicy, and the sauce is warm. It feeds about 4 people as a main dish. If you’re serving it as part of a larger spread, it can stretch further.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or extra butter to keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

What to Serve With Butter Garlic Shrimp?

Crusty Bread

Perfect for scooping up every bit of that buttery garlic sauce.

Linguine or Angel Hair Pasta

Toss the shrimp and sauce right into cooked pasta for an easy dinner.

Steamed White Rice

Let the sauce drip into fluffy rice for a comforting bowl.

Zucchini Noodles

A low-carb option that still captures the sauce beautifully.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes meet buttery shrimp for cozy comfort.

Roasted Asparagus

Its earthiness balances the richness of the shrimp.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy salad cuts through the buttery flavors.

Want More Shrimp Ideas?

If this Butter Garlic Shrimp recipe is your thing, you’ll love diving into more savory seafood and shrimp dinners. Here are some reader favorites to explore next:

Try this comforting Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a spicy twist.
Make it creamy and extra indulgent with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
Need a cozy soup night? Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque hits the spot.
Pair your shrimp with pasta and cream in this Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon for another hit of lemon and seafood love.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how you served it. Did you pair it with pasta or toast? Add some spice? I’d love to hear what you did.

Explore beautifully curated seafood meals and more on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to weeknight favorites.

Conclusion

Butter Garlic Shrimp is one of those magical dishes that never fails. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for Tuesday night. Make it once, and it’ll likely earn a permanent place in your meal rotation. Fresh, fast, and dripping with garlic butter goodness—this one’s a keeper.