Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet: Juicy Dinner Ready in 15!

This sizzling garlic butter shrimp is your new weeknight go-to: juicy, buttery, garlicky shrimp ready in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re after a fast protein fix, a romantic seafood dinner, or a last-minute appetizer that feels gourmet, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Tossed in lemony garlic butter and sprinkled with parsley, every bite is a little ocean-kissed luxury.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• ⏱️ Ready in 15 minutes or less
• 🍤 Juicy, pan-seared shrimp packed with garlic flavor
• 🧈 One skillet = easy cleanup
• 🥖 Pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread
• 🧂 Simple ingredients, gourmet results
• 💡 Easy to customize (spicy, keto, dairy-free)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: red pepper flakes or lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp
   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté the Shrimp
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce
   Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Deglaze with Lemon
   Pour in lemon juice and stir to loosen any brown bits from the pan. Simmer for 30 seconds.
5. Finish the Dish
   Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Seafood
Course: Dinner / Appetizer

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Tips & Variations

• Don’t overcook: Shrimp turn rubbery fast—pull them as soon as they’re pink and curled.
• Spicy version: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the butter.
• No butter? Use ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Want more sauce? Add 2 more tablespoons of butter and a splash of white wine.
• Make it a meal: Serve over pasta, cauliflower rice, or in tacos.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

A quick and flavorful shrimp dinner cooked in garlicky lemon butter. Ready in 15 minutes and perfect over pasta, rice, or salad.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• – 4 garlic cloves minced
• – Juice of 1 lemon
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• – Optional: red pepper flakes lemon zest

Equipment

• Skillet
• Tongs
• Citrus juicer (optional)

Method

 

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp 2–3 mins per side. Remove.
3. Add butter and garlic to skillet. Sauté 1–2 mins until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon juice. Simmer 30 seconds.
5. Return shrimp and toss to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

– Don’t overcook shrimp—pull them once they turn pink
– For keto version, skip bread and serve with roasted veggies
– Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw fully and pat dry before cooking for the best sear.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Absolutely! Skewer and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, then toss in warm garlic butter sauce.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. Don’t overcook.

What size shrimp should I use?
Medium or large (21–30 count per pound) work best for this skillet recipe.

Is it keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low-carb and great over zoodles or with a keto-friendly side.

Conclusion

This buttery, garlicky garlic butter shrimp is a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests, it’s a flavorful, fast, and flexible recipe you’ll make again and again. Bonus: it’s fancy enough for date night but easy enough for Tuesday night.