Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe

The Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe for Seafood Lovers

My kitchen always comes alive with magical aromas when preparing a delectable garlic butter shrimp skillet that promises incredible flavor in minutes.

Salty ocean notes blend perfectly with rich, melted butter and fresh herbs.

Succulent shrimp deserve a quick, elegant cooking method that highlights their natural sweetness.

Professional chefs understand how simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality meals at home.

We can elevate weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Fragrant garlic infuses each tender morsel with irresistible warmth and depth.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will become your new favorite seafood sensation.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Is A Winner

  • Speedy Seafood Solution: Prepare a mouthwatering shrimp dish in just minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Flavor-Packed Delight: Combine a robust blend of seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs that transform simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, impressive date nights, or as a crowd-winning appetizer that suits multiple dining scenarios.
  • Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Offers a nutritious protein option with low-carb profile, making it ideal for various dietary preferences and health-conscious individuals.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Proteins:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the main protein of this delicious skillet dish.
Seasonings:
  • Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Salt, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that enhances the flavor and adds depth to the shrimp.
  • Dried Parsley: A herb that provides a fresh green garnish and subtle herbal notes.
Fats and Aromatics:
  • Butter, Minced Garlic: Creates a rich, flavorful base that complements the shrimp and provides a luxurious cooking medium.

Easy Steps For Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Base

Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium-high heat until it becomes silky and starts to shimmer with potential. Watch the butter carefully to prevent burning.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatic Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance in the melted butter. Stir continuously for about 60 seconds until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrant aroma that makes mouths water.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

Ingredients for seasoning:
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Lemon pepper seasoning
  • Salt
  • Italian seasoning

Drop the shrimp into the skillet and shower them with the blend of spices. Toss and twirl the shrimp until every morsel is beautifully coated with the magical seasoning mix.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Let the shrimp sizzle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for the telltale sign of doneness – a gorgeous pink color and opaque texture that signals they’re ready to devour.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle dried parsley over the shrimp, giving a final toss to distribute the herbal touch. The parsley adds a pop of color and subtle freshness to the dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the shrimp immediately while they’re hot and steaming. This dish works wonderfully as a main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips To Help With Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this quick skillet dish.
  • Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching for the color change to pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Adjust seasoning levels to personal taste, reducing salt for low-sodium diets or adding extra herbs for more complex flavor profiles.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the shrimp at peak tenderness and prevent rubbery texture from sitting too long.

Tasty Combos With Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

  • Spicy Cajun Shrimp Skillet: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun spice blend, add red pepper flakes for extra heat, and garnish with chopped green onions for a zesty Louisiana-style seafood experience.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Substitute butter with olive oil, add crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle oregano and thyme, and finish with fresh lemon zest for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Coconut Curry Shrimp: Mix in coconut milk and mild curry powder, replace lemon pepper with ginger powder, and top with chopped cilantro for a creamy, aromatic tropical preparation.

What To Eat With Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich butter and complements the shrimp's delicate flavor, enhancing every bite with bright, refreshing notes.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Choose a warm, artisan sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, transforming each slice into a flavor-packed accompaniment that elevates the entire dish.
  • Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs like basil or chives, providing a crisp, tangy contrast to the rich, buttery shrimp and balancing the meal's overall flavor profile.

Save And Reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Right

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is shallow to help cool the dish quickly.
  • Freezing: Transfer cooled shrimp to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid refreezing previously frozen shrimp.
  • Reheating Skillet: Warm shrimp over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of butter or olive oil. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through, preventing overcooking and maintaining tenderness.

All The FAQs On Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

  • What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large or medium-sized raw shrimp work perfectly. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for the easiest preparation and best eating experience.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent proper browning in the skillet.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when done, and they should curl into a slight “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during cooking.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, the seasonings provide flavor without significant heat. If you want spiciness, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter shrimp skillet sizzles with Mediterranean charm, promising delightful flavors in mere minutes. Succulent shrimp nestled in rich, herbed butter create a quick dinner that brings coastal elegance straight to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Aromatics and Fat:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat and gently melt the butter until it becomes smooth and slightly bubbling.
  2. Introduce minced garlic into the melted butter, allowing it to sizzle and release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  3. Carefully place the shrimp into the fragrant butter mixture, then generously dust with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and Italian seasoning, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated with the spice blend.
  4. Allow the shrimp to sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, transforming from translucent to a vibrant pink and becoming opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
  5. Sprinkle dried parsley across the shrimp, gently tossing to distribute the herbal notes evenly throughout the dish.
  6. Transfer the garlic butter shrimp immediately to a serving platter, presenting it as a delectable main course or an enticing appetizer while still piping hot.

Notes

  • Adjust butter quantity for lighter or richer flavor profiles, using olive oil as a healthier alternative for heart-conscious diners.
  • Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Swap traditional shrimp with plant-based alternatives like king oyster mushrooms or tofu for vegetarian and vegan diet adaptations, maintaining similar seasoning techniques.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for more intense, authentic flavor and consider adding red pepper flakes for those wanting a subtle spicy kick.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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