Shrimp Garlic Recipe
Juicy, garlicky, and full of flavor—this Shrimp Garlic Recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but takes just minutes to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish will impress with its bold taste and simplicity. With just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality garlic shrimp on your table in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp garlic recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it belongs in your weekly dinner rotation:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from prep to plate.
- Flavor-Packed: Every bite bursts with garlicky, buttery goodness.
- Healthy: High in protein, low in carbs—perfect for clean eating.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, salad, or crusty bread.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples are all you need.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Flavor Boosters
- Zest of 1 lemon for a citrusy punch
- ¼ cup white wine for added depth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for warmth
- A dash of soy sauce or fish sauce for umami
- A pinch of chili flakes for extra heat
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them completely dry using paper towels. This helps them sear properly instead of steaming. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown, or it may turn bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until pink and opaque, about 1-2 more minutes. Don’t overcook—shrimp cook fast!
Step 4: Finish with Lemon
Once shrimp are done, add a pat of butter and the fresh lemon juice to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp in the buttery garlic-lemon sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while hot, spooning the extra sauce over your chosen side.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips
- Dry the Shrimp: Moisture prevents browning. Dry shrimp = perfect sear.
- Don’t Burn Garlic: Always sauté garlic over medium heat and stir constantly.
- Cook in Batches: If your pan is small, cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp deliver the best texture.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap lemon for lime and add a splash of sesame oil.
- Garlic Butter Pasta: Toss with cooked linguine or spaghetti for an instant pasta dish.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Add a splash of cream for a rich sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic shrimp is incredibly flexible. Serve it over fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or crisp salad greens. Crusty bread is also a must—to mop up all that garlic lemon sauce!
Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp – Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined. Medium or large shrimp are ideal, though jumbo can be used with adjusted cooking times.
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced – Fresh garlic gives a strong, aromatic flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how garlicky you want the dish; some love a lot of garlic, while others prefer a milder taste.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish. If you want a richer result, you can replace some or all of the oil with butter.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a bit of heat to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Brings out and balances the other flavors.
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon) – A tangy, bright note that’s optional but gives a refreshing finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Adds color and a fresh, herby flavor.
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a deeper, smoky flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter – If you prefer a creamy, velvety sauce.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds an extra savory depth to the dish.4o
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- If you're using frozen shrimp, thaw them either by running cold water over them or leaving them in the fridge overnight.
- Peel off the shells and tails (you can leave the tails on if you prefer a fancier look). Don’t forget to devein the shrimp to keep the dish neat and appealing.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry shrimp sear better.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30–45 seconds until the garlic turns lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Increase the heat slightly if needed.
- Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Larger shrimp may need 2 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
- Tip: Shake or swirl the pan occasionally to evenly distribute the garlic.
Step 4: Add Lemon for Brightness
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the shrimp to enhance the flavor.
- Optional: For a richer taste, add a bit of butter.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the shrimp from the heat and mix in some chopped parsley.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate, and drizzle some of the garlic oil over them.Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate, and drizzle some of the garlic oil over them.
- Serve hot with your favorite side or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Conclusion
This Shrimp Garlic Recipe is everything you want in a dish—fast, flavorful, and foolproof. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner or a planned seafood night, this dish brings bold flavor with minimal fuss. Add it to your go-to recipe list—you’ll come back to it again and again.
FAQs
What’s the tastiest way to cook shrimp?
Sautéing in garlic butter is one of the best ways to cook shrimp—quick, flavorful, and perfect texture every time.
Should I soak raw shrimp before cooking?
No need to soak. Just rinse and pat dry. If frozen, thaw first under cold running water.
Do I cook shrimp with oil or butter?
Both! Oil prevents burning, and butter adds flavor. Start with oil and finish with butter for the best of both worlds.
How can you make garlic butter?
Simply melt butter in a pan and stir in minced garlic. Cook until fragrant—about 1 minute.
What makes shrimp taste better?
Freshness, seasoning, and technique. Don’t overcook, and always add acid like lemon juice at the end for brightness.
What is the best sauce to eat with shrimp?
Garlic butter, cocktail sauce, lemon cream, or spicy mayo—all pair beautifully depending on the meal.
