10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
Introduction
This 10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp is the kind of recipe that proves great food doesn’t need to be complicated. Ready in the time it takes to set the table, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for dinner parties, this dish consistently wins praise—no tweaks needed.
Ingredients & Quantities
Serves 2–4
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice (plus extra for serving)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
3. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in an even layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Flip and finish: Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Brighten the flavor: Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately: Enjoy with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.
Prep + Cook Time: 10 minutes
Origin
Garlic butter shrimp is inspired by classic Mediterranean and coastal European cooking, where seafood, butter, and fresh aromatics take center stage. Its simplicity reflects traditional seaside dishes that highlight freshness over complexity.
Cultural Significance
Shrimp dishes like this are common in coastal cultures—Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece—where quick-cooked seafood is part of everyday life and shared meals. Recipes like this symbolize community, abundance, and celebrating fresh ingredients with minimal intervention.
Description
This dish features succulent shrimp coated in a rich, buttery sauce infused with golden garlic and a squeeze of bright lemon. The flavors are bold but balanced, creating a vibrant, aromatic meal that tastes far more sophisticated than its short cook time suggests.
Optional Additions
Pasta: Toss shrimp with linguine for a fuller meal.
White wine: Add ¼ cup wine after the garlic for a light pan sauce.
Tomatoes: Stir in cherry tomatoes near the end.
Herbs: Swap parsley for basil or cilantro.
Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Tips for Success
Don’t overcook the shrimp—they turn rubbery quickly.
Pre-measure ingredients so the fast cooking pace doesn’t overwhelm.
Use fresh garlic, not jarred, for the best flavor.
Pat shrimp dry to ensure good browning.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, 4 servings)
Calories: 210
Protein: 24 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: varies by shrimp type
Sugar: 0 g
Conclusion
This quick yet luxurious Garlic Butter Shrimp is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re hosting or cooking a fast meal for yourself, it delivers impressive flavor with almost no effort.
Recommendation
Serve with lemon wedges, paired with a crisp white wine or sparkling water, and a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the garlic butter.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While rich in flavor, this dish is naturally high in lean protein and low in carbohydrates. By pairing it with vegetables or whole grains, you can enjoy both indulgence and nourishment—a perfect balance for a wholesome, satisfying lifestyle.
If you want this recipe tailored to a different dish, just tell me the name and I’ll customize everything!
