Shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce is one of the most popular shrimp dishes. The combination of butter, garlic, and shrimp creates an irresistible flavor that is loved by many.
This garlic shrimp recipe will teach you how to make restaurant-quality garlic shrimp at home with minimal effort.
An Overview of Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is a quick and easy shrimp dish that packs a ton of flavor. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in a garlic butter sauce until they are perfectly cooked.
The garlic infuses the shrimp with its aromatic flavor, and the butter creates a rich, velvety sauce. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish at the end.
This shrimp dish comes together in just 10 minutes. It makes for a fast weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer for a dinner party.
Serve the shrimp with rice or pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Benefits of Cooking With Garlic
Garlic is one of the most popular ingredients used around the world. It adds a unique depth of flavor to any dish it’s added to.
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which gives it its distinct aroma and flavor. Along with enhancing flavor, garlic has many health benefits:
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Garlic is high in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body. These compounds support immune function and lower the risk of chronic disease.
- Heart health: Studies show garlic consumption is associated with lower blood pressure and healthier cholesterol levels. Its sulfur compounds may have benefits for cardiovascular health.
- Detoxification: Garlic may stimulate liver detoxification enzymes, which help eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Its antioxidant effects also protect cells from damage.
- Antimicrobial effects: Garlic exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity, which helps fight infections. It may be protective against foodborne pathogens like salmonella.
Reaping these benefits is as simple as adding more garlic to your cooking. This garlic shrimp recipe helps maximize garlic’s health promoting properties in a delicious way.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Shrimp
Making restaurant-quality garlic shrimp at home is easy if you follow these simple tips:
- Use fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp works too, but fresh shrimp has better texture and flavor. Look for raw, shell on shrimp and peel them yourself.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook very fast. Take the pan off the heat as soon as the shrimp turn opaque to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the garlic properly. Cook the garlic slowly over medium-low heat. High heat will burn the garlic and make it bitter.
- Use both minced and sliced garlic. Mincing adds lots of flavor, while slicing prevents burning.
- Make the butter sauce first. Let the garlic infuse the butter before adding the shrimp. This amps up the flavor.
- Finish with lemon and parsley. A squeeze of lemon brightens the sauce. Chopped parsley adds freshness.
Follow this easy recipe carefully, and you’ll have restaurant-quality garlic shrimp every time!
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Leftover Garlic Shrimp
Follow these simple guidelines to get the most out of your leftover garlic shrimp. Proper storage, freezing, and reheating will help retain maximum flavor and texture.
Storing Leftover Garlic Shrimp
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Place leftovers in an airtight glass or plastic container, not aluminum.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Sauce may solidify when chilled.
- The garlic butter sauce can solidify when cold.
- Place the container in warm water to reliquefy the sauce before reheating.
Freezing Leftover Garlic Shrimp
Freeze for 2-3 months for longer term storage.
- Garlic shrimp freezes well for 2–3 months.
- Let shrimp cool completely before transferring them to a freezer bag or container.
Freeze the shrimp and sauce together.
- Freezing the shrimp and sauce together preserves the most flavor.
- Lay shrimp flat in a single layer if freezing individually.
Label the package with the name and date.
- Always label frozen packages with the recipe name and freeze date.
Reheating Leftover Garlic Shrimp
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- For best results, thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- Reheat shrimp over medium-low heat on the stove or in 30 second increments in the microwave.
Avoid overcooking
- Be careful not to overcook shrimp, or they will become rubbery.
Freshen up the flavors before serving.
- Add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon to freshen up the flavors when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making garlic shrimp at home:
What kind of shrimp is best for garlic shrimp?
Go for raw shrimp with the shells on. Peel and devein them yourself to get the freshest flavor and texture. Medium shrimp, like 26/30 per pound, work well.
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen shrimp will still work well. Thaw them first, then pat them dry and proceed with the recipe.
Should I season the shrimp with anything before cooking?
Seasoning the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper before cooking helps enhance their flavor. Don’t add any other seasonings, or it will overpower the garlic flavor.
What if I don’t have broth for the recipe?
You can use water or white wine instead of broth to deglaze the pan. The broth adds more depth, but plain water will still work.
What should I serve with garlic shrimp?
Rice or pasta are classic pairings to soak up the delicious garlic sauce. Crusty bread also complements it well. Steamed vegetables or a salad round out the meal nicely.
How can I make this recipe more indulgent?
Stir in a tablespoon of cream or butter right before serving for an extra rich and silky sauce. Serve with toasted bread topped with parmesan for a really indulgent appetizer.
Can I make this shrimp recipe with other seafood?
Absolutely! The garlic butter sauce pairs well with fish like tilapia, scallops, clams, mussels, and more. Adjust cooking times as needed.
How should I store leftover garlic shrimp?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce may separate, so stir it together before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
This quick and flavorful garlic shrimp recipe will become your new go-to weeknight meal! Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your tastes, and enjoy.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 lbs. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp. paprika
- 1⁄4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Then devein the shrimp by slicing along their backs and removing the digestive tract. Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
- Flavor the sauce: Add the oregano and paprika to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will create a rich sauce.
- Simmer the shrimp: Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning halfway, until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Finish the sauce: Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice. Stir in the parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot: Serve the garlic shrimp immediately with the pan sauce drizzled on top. Enjoy with rice, pasta, or crusty bread!
Video
Notes
- Use fresh, raw shrimp if possible for the best texture and flavor. Thaw frozen shrimp beforehand if using.
- Adjust cooking times if using larger or smaller shrimp. Cut thicker shrimp in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
- Cook garlic slowly over medium-low heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Add broth, water, or wine to the pan to deglaze and pick up browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Do not overcook the shrimp! Remove from the heat as soon as the shrimp turn opaque and pink.
- Serve shrimp immediately once cooked for the best texture. The sauce may thicken as it sits.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat gently before serving again.
- Consider serving with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or vegetables to balance the richness of the garlic butter.
- Customize the dish to your taste by adjusting the amount of garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice.
- Substitute regular butter with garlic-flavored butter for an even more intense garlic taste.
- For a lower fat option, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of some of the butter.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.