Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring succulent large shrimp seared to perfection and tossed in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, it's bursting with bright, savory flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for an easy yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (large, 16 or 20 count per pound)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat dry the raw shrimp and season evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sear the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. You may need to work in batches to avoid steaming. Remove cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium or medium-high and add minced garlic along with 1 tablespoon of butter to the empty skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly browned but not burnt.
- Deglaze the skillet: Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and white wine, stirring gently to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let the mixture simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
- Reheat shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and heat through quickly, allowing them to soak up the lemon garlic sauce.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat, letting it melt into the sauce and create a creamy consistency. Remove the skillet from heat once blended.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp before serving to add a touch of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are dry before seasoning to achieve a good sear.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent shrimp from steaming instead of searing.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute white wine with chicken broth or water for a non-alcoholic option.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
