20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp. Just the name conjures up images of succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce. And let me tell you, this 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe delivers on all fronts, and then some! In our house, weeknight dinners are often a race against the clock, but this recipe has become a true lifesaver. From prep to plate, it really does come together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when time is short but flavor is non-negotiable. Even my picky eaters devour this dish, happily soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce with crusty bread or piling it high on pasta. The aroma alone is enough to get everyone to the table in record time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular part of your rotation – it’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients for 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Choose large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and cooking time. Frozen shrimp, thawed completely, works perfectly for convenience.
• Butter: ½ cup, unsalted. Butter is the heart of this flavorful sauce, providing richness and a beautiful base for the garlic and other aromatics.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, signature garlic butter flavor. Mincing it finely ensures it infuses the butter evenly.
• White Wine: ¼ cup, dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc). Wine adds acidity and depth of flavor, deglazing the pan and creating a more complex sauce. Chicken broth can be substituted if you prefer to omit alcohol.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, fresh. Lemon juice brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the flavors of the shrimp and garlic. Freshly squeezed is always best for the brightest taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (or more to taste). A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and a pleasant hint of spice that balances the richness of the butter. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the garlic and lemon beautifully. It’s best added at the end for maximum freshness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Season generously to bring out the best in the shrimp and sauce.

Instructions for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure it is completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the shrimp to brown nicely instead of steaming in the pan. Season the shrimp generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel for good heat distribution) over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add White Wine and Red Pepper Flakes: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and add the red pepper flakes. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. This step deglazes the pan, lifting up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom and incorporating them into the sauce.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque and is cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp.
5. Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon juice will brighten the sauce and the parsley will add a fresh, herbaceous finish. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly in the sauce.
6. Serve Immediately: Garlic butter shrimp is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is luscious. Serve over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or a lemon wedge if desired.

Nutrition Facts for 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

(Per Serving, approximately 4 servings per recipe)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving. This is a moderate calorie dish, primarily due to the butter content.
• Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams per serving. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving. The majority of the fat comes from the butter, providing richness and flavor. Consider using light butter or olive oil to reduce fat content if desired.
• Sodium: Approximately 400-500 mg per serving. Sodium content can vary depending on the amount of salt added and the sodium content of the butter used. Be mindful of salt levels if you are watching your sodium intake.
• Vitamin B12: High in Vitamin B12. Shrimp is a good source of Vitamin B12, important for nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the exact brands and quantities used.

Preparation Time for 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Total Time: 20 Minutes

• Prep Time: 5 minutes. This includes peeling and deveining shrimp (if necessary), mincing garlic, chopping parsley, and juicing lemon. Efficient prep is key to the 20-minute timeframe.
• Cook Time: 15 minutes. This includes sautéing garlic, simmering wine, and cooking the shrimp. The shrimp cooks very quickly, making this a truly fast recipe.

Quick and Flavorful: The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed and simplicity. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, you can have a restaurant-quality seafood dish on the table in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp

This versatile garlic butter shrimp can be served in a variety of delicious ways. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• Over Pasta:
  • Linguine or Spaghetti: Classic pairings that allow the sauce to coat every strand.
  • Angel Hair Pasta: A lighter option that cooks quickly and complements the delicate shrimp.
  • Fettuccine: A wider noodle that can hold up to the rich sauce.
  • Toss cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce for easy coating.
• With Grains:
  • Rice: White rice, brown rice, or basmati rice all work well as a base for the flavorful shrimp and sauce.
  • Quinoa: A healthy and protein-rich grain that provides a nutty flavor contrast.
  • Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous absorbs the sauce beautifully.
  • Serve the shrimp and sauce spooned over a bed of your chosen grain.
• With Bread:
  • Crusty Bread: Baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of the garlic butter sauce.
  • Garlic Bread: Amplify the garlic flavor with a side of homemade or store-bought garlic bread.
  • Toasted Pita Bread: Warm pita bread provides a soft and slightly chewy accompaniment.
  • Serve the shrimp alongside a generous portion of your favorite bread for dipping.
• As an Appetizer:
  • Serve in small bowls or ramekins: Perfect for a party or gathering.
  • Provide toothpicks or small forks: For easy eating.
  • Pair with crostini or crackers: For a more elegant appetizer presentation.
• With Vegetables:
  • Roasted Asparagus: A classic pairing that adds a touch of green and freshness.
  • Steamed Broccoli: A simple and healthy side dish that complements the richness of the shrimp.
  • Sautéed Spinach: Adds nutrients and a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the shrimp.
  • Serve the garlic butter shrimp alongside your favorite steamed, roasted, or sautéed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Additional Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Use High-Quality Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, opt for good quality shrimp. Look for plump, firm shrimp with a fresh, ocean-like smell. Avoid shrimp that smells fishy or ammonia-like.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly and becomes rubbery if overcooked. Cook just until it turns pink and opaque. It should be slightly firm to the touch, not mushy. Err on the side of slightly undercooked if you are unsure, as it will continue to cook slightly off the heat.
3. Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder can be a pantry staple, fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor in this dish. The pungent aroma and taste of freshly minced garlic are what make this recipe truly special.
4. Adjust the Spice Level: The ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes provides a mild warmth. If you prefer more spice, add a pinch or two more, or use cayenne pepper for a stronger kick. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
5. Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and can ruin the flavor of the dish. Sauté the garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it. It should become fragrant and lightly golden, not brown or dark.
6. Deglaze the Pan Properly: When you add the white wine (or broth), make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.
7. Use Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can then season to taste with salt and pepper. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt accordingly.
8. Make it Ahead (Partially): While garlic butter shrimp is best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. Peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will make the cooking process even faster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 20-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a convenient and perfectly acceptable option. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over it until thawed, or thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Pat the thawed shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking.

Q2: I don’t have white wine. Can I substitute anything else?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for the white wine. While white wine adds a distinct depth of flavor, broth will still provide moisture and help create the sauce. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of extra lemon juice to mimic some of the acidity of the wine.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter with a good quality olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Olive oil will impart a slightly different flavor profile, but still delicious. Vegan butter alternatives can often mimic the richness of butter quite well.

Q4: How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?
A: Shrimp cooks very quickly. You’ll know it’s cooked through when it turns pink and opaque throughout, and is slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as it will become rubbery. It usually takes just 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can easily add vegetables to this garlic butter shrimp. Some great options include asparagus, broccoli florets, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers at the same time as the garlic to give them a head start cooking. Add leafy greens like spinach towards the end, just before adding the lemon juice and parsley.

Q6: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Garlic butter shrimp is best served immediately for the best texture and flavor. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, as mentioned in the tips. Cooking and reheating shrimp is generally not recommended as it can become rubbery. If you must make it ahead, store the shrimp and sauce separately and gently reheat the sauce before adding freshly cooked shrimp.

Q7: What are some good side dishes to serve with garlic butter shrimp besides pasta and rice?
A: Garlic butter shrimp is delicious with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be a great complement. For a lower-carb option, serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Q8: Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
A: While fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor, pre-minced garlic from a jar can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind that the flavor of fresh garlic is generally more pungent and brighter than jarred garlic. If using jarred garlic, you may want to use a little more to compensate for the slightly milder flavor.

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