Shrimp is one of the most versatile and quick-cooking proteins, making it a favorite for busy weeknights, elegant dinners, and crowd-pleasing appetizers alike. Among the many ways to prepare shrimp, the 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe stands out for its simplicity, rich flavor, and the magical combination of garlic, butter, and herbs.
This recipe perfectly balances the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the buttery garlic sauce, enhanced by aromatic Italian seasoning — a truly irresistible dish that is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you’re craving a light dinner, planning a party, or looking for fresh ideas for recipes for frozen cooked shrimp, this dish delivers.
Why You’ll Love This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meals.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses staple kitchen ingredients you likely already have.
- Versátil: Works beautifully with fresh or frozen cooked shrimp and can be customized to your taste.
- Bursting with Flavor: The rich butter and aromatic garlic blend perfectly with Italian herbs.
- Para Agradar Ao Público: Elegant enough for parties, casual enough for weeknights.
Essential Ingredients Breakdown
Shrimp — The Star Protein
Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with protein and low in calories. You can use fresh shrimp or recipes for frozen cooked shrimp work brilliantly in this dish. Using pre-cooked frozen shrimp is a great time-saver and can still taste fresh when handled properly.
Key tips for shrimp:
- Choose medium to large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for perfect bite-sized pieces.
- If frozen, thaw properly by placing in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry to avoid sogginess.
- Deveined and peeled shrimp help save prep time.
Butter — The Flavor Carrier
Butter adds luscious creaminess and richness to the sauce. It’s the perfect base to sauté the garlic and coat the shrimp in a silky glaze.
Pro tip: Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning.
Garlic — The Aromatic Hero
Fresh garlic is essential for the punchy, savory flavor that defines this dish. Mince or finely chop the garlic to maximize flavor release when sautéing.
Italian Seasoning — The Herbal Boost
Italian seasoning blends herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, infusing the dish with a warm, herbaceous flavor that complements shrimp perfectly.
You can substitute with fresh herbs if you prefer or adjust the blend to your taste.
Lemon Juice — The Bright Finisher
A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end lifts the dish with bright acidity, cutting through the richness of butter and garlic.
Parsley — The Fresh Garnish
Chopped fresh parsley adds color and a refreshing herbal note, balancing the flavors.
How to Make Garlic and Butter Shrimp — Step by Step
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
- If using frozen cooked shrimp, thaw thoroughly by rinsing under cold water and patting dry.
- If using raw shrimp, peel and devein if not prepped.
- Pat the shrimp dry — this step is crucial to getting a nice sear and preventing steaming.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
- Heat a large skillet or a flat top pan (great for flat top shrimp recipes) over medium heat.
- Add butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat evenly.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over shrimp.
- For raw shrimp: cook about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- For cooked shrimp: sauté only until heated through (about 1-2 minutes) to avoid rubberiness.
- Toss frequently to coat shrimp in the garlic butter sauce.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
- Remove the pan from heat.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Garlic Butter Experience
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To get a nice sear, give your shrimp space in the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a Flat Top Grill or Skillet: Flat top surfaces provide even heat distribution, excellent for cooking shrimp quickly and evenly.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Avoid garlic powder; fresh garlic is more fragrant and flavorful.
- Add Garlic Towards the End: Garlic burns quickly, so add it after butter melts and keep heat moderate.
- Customize Italian Seasoning: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for variation.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best eaten right away while shrimp remain tender and sauce fresh.
Creative Variations to Explore
1. Shrimp Scampi with Cooked Shrimp
Turn this recipe into a classic shrimp scampi with cooked shrimp by tossing the garlic butter shrimp over cooked pasta like linguine or angel hair. Add a splash of white wine and extra lemon juice for more depth.
2. Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.
3. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a silky, creamy sauce perfect over rice or noodles.
4. Party Shrimp Recipe
For an easy party shrimp recipe, serve the shrimp chilled on a platter with toothpicks and a side of garlic butter dipping sauce.
5. Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos
Use the garlic butter shrimp as a filling for soft tacos with fresh slaw and avocado for a quick, tasty meal.
Using Frozen Cooked Shrimp: A Handy Guide
Frozen cooked shrimp is widely available and a fantastic shortcut. Here’s how to make the most of it in garlic butter shrimp recipes:
- Thaw Correctly: Use cold water thawing or refrigerate overnight. Avoid microwave thawing to prevent uneven heating.
- Pat Dry: Essential to get the butter and garlic to cling properly and avoid watery sauce.
- Heat Briefly: Since shrimp are already cooked, add them last and heat just until warmed through.
- Check Quality: Choose wild-caught or sustainably farmed shrimp for best flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan: Nonstick or stainless steel works fine.
- Flat top grill or griddle: If making large batches, flat top surfaces allow more even cooking and space.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
- Measuring spoons: For consistent seasoning.
- Tongs or spatula: To toss shrimp gently without breaking.
Sugestões De Emparelhamento
This garlic butter shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine tossed with olive oil or a light cream sauce.
- Rice: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice, or buttery garlic rice.
- Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad.
- Bread: Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the buttery sauce.
Nutritional Overview
Shrimp is a lean source of high-quality protein and rich in vitamins like B12 and minerals such as selenium. While butter adds calories and fat, this recipe remains moderate in calories if consumed in reasonable portions.
Garlic boasts antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making this recipe both tasty and nutritious.
Perguntas Frequentes
Can I make this with shrimp tails on?
Yes, but cooking time may increase slightly. Tails add flavor and can be fun to eat but remove for easier serving.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, or fresh herbs.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, but add shrimp just before serving to prevent overcooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid rubbery shrimp.
The Perfect Party Shrimp Recipe
Hosting a gathering? This garlic butter shrimp recipe doubles as a fantastic party shrimp recipe. Simply prepare the shrimp, chill it, and serve on a large platter with toothpicks and garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping. Add lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Flat Top Shrimp Recipes: Cooking at Scale
If you’re preparing shrimp for a large group or want a professional touch, using a flat top griddle can be a game changer. Flat tops provide even heat and a large cooking surface, allowing you to prepare shrimp evenly without crowding.
Try this garlic butter shrimp recipe on a flat top grill for quick, consistent results. Just melt the butter, sauté garlic, and cook shrimp in batches, tossing with Italian seasoning.
Shrimp Scampi with Cooked Shrimp: A Classic Twist
Traditionally, shrimp scampi uses raw shrimp cooked briefly in garlic butter and white wine sauce. But if you’re pressed for time, you can use shrimp scampi with cooked shrimp by warming pre-cooked shrimp in the flavorful sauce and serving over pasta.
This shortcut yields all the buttery, garlicky goodness with less fuss and is great for busy cooks.
More Shrimp Garlic Recipes to Try
If you love this garlic and butter shrimp, consider exploring:
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
- Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Each recipe celebrates garlic’s incredible ability to enhance seafood flavors.
Pensamentos Finais
O 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and quick techniques can create an extraordinary dish. By combining shrimp butter Italian seasoning with fresh garlic and lemon, you get a dish bursting with flavor that’s effortless to make.
Whether you’re cooking fresh shrimp or using recipes for frozen cooked shrimp, this dish is flexible, quick, and utterly delicious. Its versatility shines as a main dish, pasta topper, or party appetizer, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen repertoire.
Don’t hesitate to get creative by trying different herbs, adding a spicy twist, or pairing it with your favorite sides. This recipe will keep you coming back for more!
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