Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish made with juicy shrimp cooked in a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, and parsley. This meal is perfect for a busy weeknight or for entertaining guests and can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional lemon wedges for serving

Appliances and Special Utensils:

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Shrimp:
    • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Garlic:
    • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Sauté the Shrimp:
    • Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Finish the Sauce:
    • Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
    • Toss everything together until the shrimp are coated in the butter sauce.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately with additional lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh and can be paired beautifully with a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.