Description

Quick & Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delightful, restaurant-quality dish that balances the richness of butter with bright lemon zest and a subtle kick of red-pepper flakes. Prepared in under 15 minutes, this seared shrimp recipe is perfect for busy meals and offers a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to tender shrimp, enhanced by fresh garlic and parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce / Marinade

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

Seasoning & Garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Toss them lightly with salt, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Let them rest for five minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the flesh.
Searing the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, then add olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Place the shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for 1½ minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to finish cooking later.
Deglazing the Pan: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits (fond) off the pan’s bottom, which add deep flavor to the sauce.
Building the Sauce: Stir in the butter, remaining garlic, red-pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Allow the butter to melt completely, creating a glossy emulsion. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Finishing the Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to reheat and meld the flavors. Finish with chopped fresh parsley and a final pinch of salt if necessary.
Plating: Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving bowl or directly onto warmed plates. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top and garnish with extra parsley for color. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Notes

Ensure shrimp are dried well before searing to get a perfect caramelized crust.
Cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even searing.
Avoid burning the garlic by adding it after deglazing the pan.
To make the sauce richer, swirl in a cold pat of butter just before plating.
Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
For dairy-free version, replace butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth or lemon juice for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dinners
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: International

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, lemon shrimp, easy seafood recipe, shrimp with lemon zest, seared shrimp