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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe featuring tender large shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of fresh herbs and bright lemon, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner served over rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread.

Ingredients

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Shrimp Sauce and Garnish

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken stock or broth)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small lemon
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

For Serving

  • cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread

Instructions

  1. Dry the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear properly in the skillet.
  2. Season the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a large bowl and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss gently to coat the shrimp with the seasoning.
  3. Heat butter and cook shallot: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the minced shallot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it just begins to soften and becomes fragrant.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1 minute so they get a nice sear. Then flip the shrimp using tongs or a wide spatula to cook the other side.
  5. Add wine and garlic: Pour in the dry white wine and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and the wine reduces by half, creating a flavorful sauce.
  6. Finish with butter and herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and incorporated. Zest the lemon directly over the skillet, then juice half of the lemon into the sauce. Slice the other half into wedges for serving. Add the chopped rosemary or thyme (if using) and parsley, then toss everything to combine well.
  7. Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with your choice of cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • Patting shrimp dry is essential to get a good sear without steaming.
  • White wine can be substituted with low-sodium chicken stock or broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme add a lovely aroma but are optional.
  • Serve over rice, pasta, or bread to fully enjoy the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness.