Save This dish features tender large shrimp sautéed in olive oil and butter with minced garlic and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. After a brief sear, white wine and fresh lemon juice join the skillet, enriching the sauce alongside chopped fresh parsley. The shrimp absorb these bright, savory flavors, creating a luscious, aromatic seafood plate ideal as an appetizer or served atop pasta or rice. The preparation is quick and simple, perfect for an easy yet elegant Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Discovering this garlic shrimp recipe was like stumbling upon a treasure in my busy kitchen—simple yet bursting with flavor, it quickly became my go-to for weeknight dinners and spontaneous gatherings.
I still remember the first time unexpected guests showed up and I whipped this up in under 20 minutes—it was like having a magic trick up my sleeve that everyone wanted to know about.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Always peeled and deveined with tails on for the perfect bite and easy handling
- Garlic: Finely minced to release that heady aroma right when it hits the hot butter
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh green brightness that cuts through the richness
- Unsalted butter & olive oil: Butter for richness and olive oil to keep it from burning
- Lemon juice: Just a splash to awaken all the flavors without overpowering
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For when you want a little subtle kick that surprises
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Pat your shrimp dry and season them simply with salt and pepper to make sure they get that perfect sear
- Build Flavor:
- Heat olive oil and most of the butter in your skillet over medium-high heat until the butter bubbles and smells slightly nutty
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Place shrimp in a single layer and let them get a little pink on one side before flipping—this is the sound of success
- Add Garlic & Spice:
- Quickly toss in garlic and red pepper flakes so the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky scent—just be sure not to burn it
- Deglaze:
- Pour in white wine or broth to scrape up all those tasty browned bits, adding depth to the sauce
- Finish & Toss:
- Stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley, coating everything in a silky sauce ready to serve
Save This dish became more than dinner when I served it at a gathering that turned into a long night of laughter and new friendships—the kind of meal that brings people closer together.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
This garlic shrimp shines served over a bed of steaming jasmine rice or tossed with linguine for an easy seafood pasta. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce—it’s absolutely essential!
Keeping It Fresh
Use fresh shrimp whenever possible; if frozen, thaw it gently in iced water to maintain that plump juicy texture that makes each bite sing.
When You're Missing Something
If you’re out of fresh parsley, try cilantro or basil for a different-but-delicious twist on the herbaceous note.
- Always keep extra lemon wedges at the table—some folks love an extra splash
- Don’t forget to taste for seasoning before serving, especially if swapping ingredients
- This dish pairs perfectly with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Save Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me—can’t wait for you to try this one and make it your own little culinary secret.
Questions & Answers
- → How should I prepare shrimp for this dish?
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Use large shrimp peeled and deveined with tails on for better flavor and presentation. Pat them dry before seasoning.
- → Can I substitute the white wine?
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Yes, dry white wine can be replaced with chicken broth for a similar depth without alcohol.
- → What side dishes pair well?
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This shrimp pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- → How do I avoid burning the garlic?
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Cook garlic briefly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, and avoid high heat once garlic is added to prevent bitterness.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
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Yes, omit butter and use olive oil alone to maintain flavor without dairy ingredients.
