Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet: Juicy Dinner Ready in 15!

Garlic butter shrimp is the ultimate fast-and-flavorful dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes. With juicy shrimp seared in a rich garlic butter sauce and brightened with fresh lemon, this skillet dish is your new go-to when time is tight but taste still matters. Whether you serve it with pasta, crusty bread, or salad, it’s a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly at home.

This garlic butter shrimp recipe proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a big impact. The bold flavor of garlic, the richness of butter, and the brightness of lemon juice coat the shrimp in a sauce that’s irresistible. It’s quick, easy, and adaptable—perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means cleanup is just as fast as the cook time.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes
• One skillet = minimal cleanup
• Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weekdays
• Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
• Versatile: serve over pasta, rice, or salad

🛒 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 fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat

🔪 Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp
   Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Mince garlic and chop parsley.
2. Sear the Shrimp
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
   Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine and Finish
   Stir in lemon juice and return shrimp to the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through for 1 minute.
5. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 250 per serving

🥗 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 2g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Cholesterol: 220mg

🌟 Tips & Variations

• Don’t overcook: Shrimp are done when pink and opaque—about 2–3 minutes per side.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
• Swap parsley: Try chopped cilantro or basil for a different twist.
• Keto-friendly: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Extra rich: Use ghee in place of butter for deeper flavor.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Quick, garlicky shrimp in a buttery lemon sauce. A 15-minute seafood skillet perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• – Skillet
• – Tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• – Citrus juicer (optional)

Ingredients

  

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

Instructions

 

• Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side. Remove.
• Lower heat. Add butter and garlic. Sauté 1–2 minutes.
• Stir in lemon juice. Return shrimp to pan. Toss to coat.
• Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

– Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor
– Add red pepper flakes for heat
– Serve with rice, pasta, or warm bread

Keyword garlic butter shrimp

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking for best results.

What if I don’t have butter?
You can use all olive oil, though butter adds richness.

How do I know when shrimp are done?
They’ll turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape—don’t wait until they’re tight or rubbery.

Can I meal prep this?
It’s best served fresh, but leftovers store well for up to 2 days in the fridge.

What should I serve it with?
Great over pasta, rice, polenta, or with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

🍽️ Conclusion

This garlic butter shrimp recipe is proof that simple ingredients can deliver big flavor. It’s the perfect quick dinner when you want something satisfying and elegant without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served over pasta or alongside a crisp salad, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.