Wowza! 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp

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Wowza! 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp

Quick Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories per Serving: 250
  • Course: Main, Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Recommended Tools

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Chopping board and sharp knife
  • Lemon juicer or zester (optional)

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Prep the Shrimp
Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely and prevents a watery sauce.

2. Melt the Butter
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom.

3. Cook the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until it turns a light golden color and becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

4. Sear the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.

5. Add Lemon and Parsley
Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley. Toss the shrimp gently to coat them evenly in the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a plate and spoon the extra sauce on top. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for the ultimate garlic butter experience.

Tasty Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or minced chili to the butter for heat.
  • Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta for a rich, garlicky seafood dinner.
  • Grilled Skewers: Thread shrimp onto skewers and brush with garlic butter before grilling.
  • Coconut Twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut milk to add a subtle tropical flavor.

This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the garlic butter sauce ahead and store it for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips & Notes

  • Butter Matters: Use good-quality unsalted butter for the richest flavor.
  • Don’t Rush the Garlic: Let it cook slowly in the butter to bring out its sweetness without burning.
  • Lemon Zest Bonus: For extra brightness, add a pinch of lemon zest before serving.
  • Perfect Pairings: Serve with crusty bread, herbed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Final Thoughts

When dinner needs to be quick, delicious, and impressive, this 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp is your new secret weapon. It’s buttery, garlicky, lemony, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this foolproof dish will have everyone at the table saying, “Wowza!”

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