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Garlic Butter Shrimp Zest

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This dish features large shrimp seared in olive oil, then simmered in a luscious garlic butter sauce balanced with fresh lemon juice and white wine. Fresh parsley adds herby brightness, while butter enriches the sauce creating a creamy, savory coating for each shrimp. The meal comes together in a single skillet in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. Flavors blossom naturally from the quality ingredients with minimal fuss, and it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the buttery sauce.

Key steps include properly searing shrimp to avoid steaming, gently softening garlic without burning, and finishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch. This straightforward process allows the shrimp’s natural sweetness to shine alongside the rich, tangy sauce. For added variety, ingredients like capers, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of Parmesan can be incorporated. Store leftovers refrigerated and gently reheat to preserve texture and flavor.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:37:19 GMT
A plate of shrimp with garlic butter and lemon. Save
A plate of shrimp with garlic butter and lemon. | lilicooks.com

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in just 20 minutes using only one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features tender shrimp cooked with garlic, lemon juice, white wine, butter, and fresh parsley for a deliciously rich but fresh dinner. This dish is low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and packed with protein, making it a smart and satisfying choice any day of the week.

I first made this recipe when I was pressed for time, and it quickly became a weekly favorite in our house. The bright lemon and garlic flavors make it feel gourmet without any fuss.

Ingredients

  • One pound large raw shrimp: peeled and deveined this size cooks perfectly and looks impressive on the plate
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to season the shrimp just right
  • Olive oil: use a good quality extra virgin for searing shrimp for better flavor
  • Garlic: five cloves minced to release that bold aromatic punch
  • Butter: salted butter adds richness and balance to the sauce
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice: for brightness and a natural tang
  • Dry white wine: adds depth and deglazes the pan to create a silky sauce
  • Fresh parsley: chopped to finish the dish with a fresh herbaceous note

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the shrimp:
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook three minutes on each side until opaque and just cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Make the lemon garlic butter sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic along with one tablespoon of butter to the now-empty skillet. Cook for one to two minutes until the garlic softens and turns slightly golden but does not burn.
Deglaze the pan:
Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and white wine carefully over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan, intensifying the flavor of the sauce.
Combine shrimp and sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and quickly warm them through in the sauce.
Finish with butter and parsley:
Stir in the remaining two tablespoons of butter on low heat, mixing until fully melted creating a creamy sauce that coats the shrimp. Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley.
A bowl of shrimp with garlic butter and lemon. Save
A bowl of shrimp with garlic butter and lemon. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid overcooking the shrimp which can make it rubbery. I would not recommend freezing because the texture of butter sauces and shrimp suffers.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have white wine, chicken broth works well as a substitute and keeps the sauce flavorful. You can swap parsley for cilantro or basil to change the herb profile if you prefer. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter and add a little extra for richness.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Shrimp is fantastic served over pasta like spaghetti or angel hair that soaks up the sauce beautifully. Crusty warm bread is also wonderful to dip in the lemon-garlic butter. Pair it with a green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Use large shrimp and watch cooking times carefully; sear each side only 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing instead of steaming.

→ Can I substitute white wine in the sauce?

Yes, dry white wine adds richness, but you can substitute chicken stock or a splash of water if preferred, adjusting seasoning to taste.

→ What sides pair well with garlic butter shrimp?

Simple pasta like spaghetti or angel hair, rice bowls with veggies, crusty Italian bread, or fresh green salads complement the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep cooked shrimp refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in short microwave bursts or warm in an oven at 350°F until heated through to avoid rubbery texture.

→ What herbs work best with garlic butter shrimp?

Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also use cilantro or basil for different herbal notes. Add them at the end to maintain freshness.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions either cooked alongside the shrimp or served on the side.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Flavor

Succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter, lemon juice, and herbs for a quick, flavorful stovetop meal in 20 minutes.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Dinner

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American, Mediterranean

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Shrimp

01 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count), tails removed
02 ¼ teaspoon salt
03 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

05 5 cloves garlic, minced
06 3 tablespoons butter, divided
07 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 2 tablespoons dry white wine
09 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

Step 01

Season shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding and cook for about 3 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 02

Add minced garlic and 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until garlic softens and browns lightly without burning. Add lemon juice and white wine to deglaze the skillet, stirring to incorporate flavors.

Step 03

Return shrimp to the skillet and reheat quickly. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter on low heat, stirring until melted and sauce becomes creamy. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips

  1. Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with tails removed for best presentation. Avoid overcrowding shrimp during cooking to prevent steaming and ensure proper searing. Monitor shrimp closely to avoid overcooking.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 249
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 23 g