If there’s one dish that instantly brings me back to cozy family dinners and sizzling stovetop aromas, it’s my grandmother’s Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet. Quick, indulgent, and irresistibly garlicky, this dish was always her go-to whenever she needed to impress guests—without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.
I remember standing on a stool next to her, watching her swirl butter in the pan, the aroma of garlic making its way through the house. Whether it was a hot summer evening or a chilly winter night, the skillet always promised something satisfying. Today, I’m sharing her cherished recipe—refined with my own modern twist and made to be your next weeknight winner.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is your ticket to a five-star meal in just 20 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
Here’s everything you’ll need to serve 4:
• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving
Prep and Cook Time
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel—this step is essential for that perfect sear. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Pan
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The oil keeps the butter from burning, giving you a golden base for that garlicky goodness.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown!
4. Cook the Shrimp
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Finish with Flavor
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and zest. Toss everything to coat the shrimp evenly and remove from heat.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet is ultra-versatile. Serve it:
• Over buttery pasta or creamy risotto
• With crusty bread to soak up that garlic butter sauce
• Alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables
• With rice or quinoa for a lighter, gluten-free option
Love shrimp recipes? Don’t miss our flavorful Coconut Curry Shrimp Recipe for a creamy twist with exotic spices!
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
• Use fresh shrimp if possible. Frozen is fine, but make sure it’s fully thawed and dried before cooking.
• Control the garlic—if you’re sensitive to strong garlic flavor, lightly sauté it and avoid browning.
• Add wine: For a restaurant-style twist, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine before adding the lemon juice.
• Want it creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream at the end to transform this into a garlic butter cream sauce.
For even cooking and a more elegant presentation, consider butterflying your shrimp. This technique involves slicing the shrimp open along the back to flatten them, helping them cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
Learn how to do it properly with this detailed guide from Bon Appétit: How to Butterfly Shrimp.
Make Ahead & Storage
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the shrimp in garlic, lemon, and olive oil up to 2 hours in advance.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Perfect for Any Season
This dish adapts beautifully to any season:
• Summer: Pair with grilled veggies and a chilled white wine.
• Winter: Serve it over creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
American Coastal Inspiration
This recipe is a classic from American coastal cuisine, where seafood is celebrated for its simplicity and flavor. Think buttery New England lobster, Southern shrimp boils, or Gulf Coast garlic shrimp—this skillet is a fusion of all those flavors in one easy pan.
Final Thoughts
Simple. Satisfying. Full of flavor.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a gourmet chef—even if you only have 20 minutes to spare. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine over the years.
Have you tried it? Let me know your twist in the comments—do you add herbs, throw in pasta, or turn up the heat? I’d love to hear!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and avoid excess water in the skillet.
2. What size shrimp is best for a skillet recipe like this?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal—they cook evenly and hold up well in the sauce. Look for shrimp labeled 16/20 or 21/25 count per pound.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter or use extra olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version.
4. Is this garlic butter shrimp skillet keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs! Just avoid serving it over pasta or rice and instead opt for zoodles or cauliflower rice.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also finish the dish with a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
6. Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Try adding cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them before or alongside the shrimp for a complete one-pan meal.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a dish that’s this quick, simple, and yet undeniably gourmet. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet isn’t just a recipe—it’s a back-pocket dinner savior, a showstopper for guests, and a memory-maker for family dinners.
Whether you’re enjoying it in the sun-drenched days of summer or cozying up during a winter chill, this dish promises bold flavor, elegant simplicity, and endless versatility. With the power of garlic, butter, and perfectly cooked shrimp, you’ve got a skillet of pure comfort waiting to be devoured.
Go ahead, give it a try—and don’t forget to tag your plate on social media and share your creative spin!