The BEST Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This garlic shrimp recipe is incredibly quick to prepare and bursts with vibrant flavors. Whether you need a lightning-fast dinner or an impressive appetizer, this dish delivers every time. Get ready to create restaurant-quality garlic shrimp with minimal effort right in your own kitchen. It is truly simple, speedy, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp

You will adore this recipe for many reasons, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.

• Quick Dinner Solution: This dish cooks in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Effortless Appetizer: Easily scale this recipe to serve as a crowd-pleasing starter at your next gathering.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory garlic and bright lemon creates an incredibly satisfying taste.
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, this recipe fits various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the necessary items in your pantry already, simplifying your shopping list.

Ingredients

Gathering high-quality ingredients ensures the best flavor for your delicious garlic shrimp. Fresh components truly elevate this simple dish.

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 lb large shrimp (I use 16-20 count size, peeled, deveined and tails removed if desired)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic (use more if you love garlic!)
• The juice of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Notes & Substitutions:
Always choose fresh shrimp for the best texture and taste. Look for “large” or “jumbo” sizes; 16-20 count means 16-20 shrimp per pound. You can buy them pre-peeled and deveined to save time. Decide if you prefer tails on for presentation or off for easier eating. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended; it provides a superior aroma and taste compared to jarred. For Italian seasoning, feel free to substitute with a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Always use fresh lemon juice for its bright, zesty flavor, but bottled works in a pinch. Fresh parsley adds a lovely color and peppery note; dried parsley can be used but offers less vibrant flavor.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to create incredible garlic shrimp. Just a few basic kitchen items will do the trick.

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Serving spoon or tongs

How To Make Garlic Shrimp

Creating perfect garlic shrimp is straightforward and incredibly fast. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal.

1. Place the butter in a large pan and melt it over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the shrimp.
2. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss the shrimp gently to coat them evenly with the spices.
3. Cook the shrimp for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through. Do not overcook them.
4. Add the minced garlic to the pan with the cooked shrimp. Stir continuously for one more minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds to combine the flavors.
6. Serve your flavorful garlic shrimp immediately, while still warm, and enjoy every bite.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Mastering garlic shrimp is simple with a few expert insights. These tips will ensure your dish is perfect every time.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, curling into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
• Use Fresh Garlic: The flavor difference is undeniable. Freshly minced garlic provides a potent, aromatic punch that jarred garlic cannot match in this dish. To truly elevate your dish with robust flavor, understanding the culinary advantages of fresh garlic is key.
• Control the Heat: Keep the heat at medium-high. This cooks the shrimp quickly and helps the garlic become fragrant without burning. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.
• Sauce Consistency: For a richer sauce, you can add a small splash of vegetable broth or a pat of butter at the end. This helps create a luscious coating for your garlic shrimp.
• Presentation Tips: Leaving the tails on your shrimp provides a beautiful presentation, especially for appetizers. However, removing them makes for easier eating.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

This versatile garlic shrimp pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Plan your accompaniments and handle leftovers properly.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve it over a bed of al dente pasta or fluffy rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
• Offer it as a sophisticated appetizer with toothpicks, perfect for entertaining.
• Pair it with warm, crusty bread to sop up every drop of that irresistible garlicky lemon butter.
• Enjoy it alongside steamed green beans, asparagus, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Toss it into a fresh salad for a light, protein-packed lunch.

Storage:
Store any leftover garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them again during reheating, as they can become tough.

Variations

Get creative with your garlic shrimp! These simple twists allow you to explore new flavors and adapt the dish to your preference.

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning for a delightful kick. Adjust to your heat preference.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a splash of unsweetened plant-based cream alternative with the lemon juice. This creates a richer, more indulgent sauce.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs. Fresh dill, chives, or a mix of both can add unique aromatic notes to your garlicky shrimp.
• Added Vegetables: Incorporate quick-cooking vegetables like a handful of fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced bell peppers during the last minute of cooking.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying delicious food that also aligns with your healthy lifestyle is always a win. This garlic shrimp dish is a fantastic choice. It provides lean protein and beneficial fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious option. Plus, it naturally fits into low-carb and keto eating plans, helping you stay on track with your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You’ve got questions, and we have the answers to help you confidently create perfect garlic shrimp every time.

• Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely under cold running water or in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat them dry to prevent excess water in the pan.
• How do I know when shrimp is cooked? Shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and curl into a loose “C” shape when fully cooked. Avoid overcooking, as they quickly become rubbery.
• Is shrimp healthy? Shrimp is a lean protein source, rich in essential vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B12, and iron. It is a nutritious addition to any diet.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, easily! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make this garlic shrimp recipe completely dairy-free.
• What side dishes go well with garlic shrimp? Alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.

Conclusion

You now have the ultimate guide to creating truly sensational garlic shrimp, a recipe that promises to transform your weeknight dinners and special occasions. Its simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor profile make it an instant classic in any kitchen. We encourage you to try this amazing garlic shrimp recipe soon and experience the joy of cooking something truly delicious. Share your culinary creations and favorite pairings with us!

Garlic Shrimp

This quick and easy garlic shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and Italian seasoning, perfect for a fast weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 3 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pan
• spatula/tongs
• garlic press/knife
• lemon juicer

Recipe Ingredients

  

Main

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 lb large shrimp 16-20 count size, peeled, deveined and tails removed if desired
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic use more if you love garlic!
• lemon juice the juice of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

Main

• Melt the butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Cook the shrimp for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque.
• Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to cook for one more minute.
• Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery. Serve this delicious garlic shrimp over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your personal preference.

Keyword Garlic Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp Recipe