15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Let me tell you, weeknights in our house can be… hectic. Between school pickups, after-school activities, and just the general end-of-day exhaustion, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That’s why this 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe has become an absolute lifesaver. Honestly, it’s less of a recipe and more of a kitchen miracle. The first time I made it, my kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, devoured it. Silence fell over the dinner table except for the happy sounds of forks scraping plates. My husband, usually a man of few words when it comes to dinner, actually exclaimed, “This is amazing! Can we have this again?” Since then, it’s become a regular fixture in our meal rotation, and I’m thrilled to share this incredibly simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe with you. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or even a last-minute dinner party appetizer. Get ready to experience the magic of garlic butter shrimp – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Ingredients for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

This recipe uses minimal ingredients, focusing on fresh flavors and quality. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary delight:

• Shrimp: 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will work. Look for shrimp that is already peeled and deveined to save even more time. The size of the shrimp is up to your preference, but larger shrimp are more substantial and satisfying.
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Butter is the foundation of that rich, decadent sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: 6 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is absolutely essential for that pungent, aromatic flavor that is the hallmark of this dish. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• White Wine: ¼ cup of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc). White wine adds acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce, deglazing the pan and creating a beautiful base for the garlic butter. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute chicken broth or extra lemon juice.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the butter and garlic, and adding a zesty freshness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for the most vibrant flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Parsley adds a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a beautiful green color as a garnish. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) or curly parsley both work well.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice to balance the richness of the garlic butter. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Salt: To taste. Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish and is crucial for seasoning the shrimp and the sauce. Kosher salt or sea salt are recommended.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent, aromatic spice and complements the garlic and lemon.

Instructions: Cooking 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp to Perfection

This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to follow. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality garlic butter shrimp on your table.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure it is completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the shrimp to sear properly and not steam in the pan. Drying the shrimp will also help the garlic butter sauce cling to it better.
2. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Stir constantly and reduce heat if necessary. The aroma of sautéed garlic is one of the most enticing smells in cooking!
3. Add White Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together. This step creates the foundation of your delicious garlic butter sauce. Simmering the wine reduces its alcohol content and intensifies its flavor.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Do not overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. The color change from gray to pink is a good indicator of doneness.
5. Finish with Parsley and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Toss to combine, ensuring the shrimp are coated in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant. The fresh parsley adds a final burst of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.

Nutrition Facts for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

This recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, especially when served with lighter side dishes. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Serving Size: Approximately ¼ of the recipe
• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. These values are approximate and are intended as a general guide. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time: From Prep to Plate in 15 Minutes!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed and simplicity. From start to finish, you can have this delectable garlic butter shrimp on the table in just about 15 minutes!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes (peeling garlic, chopping parsley, patting shrimp dry)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (sautéing garlic, making sauce, cooking shrimp)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

This quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also perfect for impromptu gatherings or when you simply crave a flavorful seafood dish without the fuss.

How to Serve 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp: Delicious Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• Over Pasta: Toss the garlic butter shrimp and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine. This creates a classic and comforting shrimp scampi-style dish.
• With Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up all that flavorful garlic butter sauce. Rice provides a neutral base that complements the richness of the shrimp.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread, such as baguette or sourdough, for dipping into the delicious garlic butter sauce. This is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for a balanced and healthy meal. The freshness of the vegetables cuts through the richness of the shrimp.
• In Tacos or Wraps: Use the garlic butter shrimp as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add some shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious seafood taco.
• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions of garlic butter shrimp on skewers or in small bowls as a flavorful appetizer for parties or gatherings.
• With Polenta or Grits: Creamy polenta or grits are excellent bases for garlic butter shrimp, creating a comforting and flavorful combination.
• Over Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a low-carb option, serve the garlic butter shrimp over zucchini noodles. This keeps the dish light and healthy while still delivering great flavor.

Additional Tips for Perfect 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

To ensure your garlic butter shrimp is absolutely perfect every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavorful shrimp.
• Use High Heat (Initially): Start with medium-high heat to melt the butter and sauté the garlic, then reduce to medium heat when cooking the shrimp. This allows the garlic to become fragrant without burning and ensures the shrimp cook quickly.
• Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder might be tempting for speed, fresh garlic is crucial for the best flavor in this dish. The pungent aroma and taste of fresh garlic cannot be replicated by garlic powder.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For those who like it spicier, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use Quality Butter: Since butter is a prominent flavor in this dish, using good quality butter will make a noticeable difference in the taste. European-style butter or grass-fed butter will add extra richness.
• Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh parsley is best for garnish and flavor. If you don’t have parsley, fresh chives or basil can also be used as alternatives, though parsley is the most classic choice.
• Deglaze Properly: Make sure to deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth after sautéing the garlic. This step lifts up all the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan and adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp! (Worth Repeating): Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque, and remove them from the heat immediately. They will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here are some common questions people ask about making garlic butter shrimp:

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place it in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, or thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Pat the thawed shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking.

Q2: I don’t have white wine, what can I substitute?

A: If you don’t have white wine, you can easily substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth. Another option is to use extra lemon juice or a splash of white grape juice for a touch of acidity and sweetness.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Garlic butter shrimp is best served immediately for the best texture and flavor. Shrimp tends to become rubbery if reheated. However, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat the sauce and then add the shrimp.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

A: Yes, you can definitely add vegetables! Asparagus, broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or spinach are all great additions. Add them to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and cook them until tender-crisp before adding the shrimp.

Q5: How do I know when the shrimp is cooked through?

A: Shrimp cooks very quickly. You’ll know it’s cooked through when it turns from translucent gray to opaque pink and is firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as it will become rubbery. It usually takes just 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp.

Q6: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can use salted butter. However, be mindful of the salt content and adjust the amount of salt you add to the recipe accordingly. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt to avoid over-salting.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice, quinoa, or vegetables. If serving with pasta, ensure you use gluten-free pasta.

Q8: Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. You can double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger group. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is truly a weeknight wonder. It’s quick, easy, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a regular part of your meal rotation too! Enjoy!

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