15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Featured in: Quick Everyday Meals

This dish features plump shrimp sautéed swiftly in a rich garlic butter sauce. The sauce is enhanced with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, creating bright and savory flavors. Cooking takes just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy meals. Serve over rice or pasta to soak up the buttery, zesty sauce. Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, while fresh herbs bring brightness. Simple tools and straightforward steps make this an accessible and satisfying seafood option.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:03:00 GMT
Succulent 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp served with fresh parsley and lemon zest.  Save to Pinterest
Succulent 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp served with fresh parsley and lemon zest. | messlitreats.com

Succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with a splash of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal served over rice or pasta.

This shrimp dish has quickly become a go-to when I need something delicious and fast after a long day.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced
  • Butter: 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp crushed (optional)
  • Parsley: 2 tbsp fresh, chopped
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp fresh
  • Lemon wedges: for serving

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4:
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 5:
Return the shrimp to the skillet, add crushed red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, and toss everything to coat well.
Step 6:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.
Quick and savory 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp on a bed of fluffy rice.  Save to Pinterest
Quick and savory 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp on a bed of fluffy rice. | messlitreats.com

My family loves gathering around the table for this simple yet flavorful shrimp dish, creating cherished moments each time.

Preparation Time

Only 5 minutes prep time to chop and season ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Cooking Tips

Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy; cooking quickly over medium-high heat works best.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp over rice or pasta with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.

Flavorful 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp garnished with parsley and lemon wedges. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp garnished with parsley and lemon wedges. | messlitreats.com

This garlic butter shrimp is a simple yet impressive dish, perfect for quick meals any day of the week.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque to maintain tender texture.

Can I substitute butter in the sauce?

Yes, olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative can be used, but butter adds a rich, creamy flavor.

What sides pair well with garlic butter shrimp?

Serve over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables to complement the buttery, lemony sauce.

How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

Can I add spice to this dish?

Yes, crushed red pepper flakes can be included during cooking to add a mild kick.

Is it necessary to devein shrimp?

Deveining is recommended for aesthetic and textural reasons but is optional depending on preference.

15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter with lemon and parsley for a quick, flavorful dish.

Prep Duration
5 min
Cooking Duration
10 min
Overall Duration
15 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 4 People served

Diet Preferences Free from Gluten, Reduced Carb

List of Ingredients

Seafood

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatics

01 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Fats

01 4 tbsp unsalted butter
02 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

01 1/2 tsp salt
02 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
03 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

01 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
02 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
03 Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Season shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Heat fats: Warm olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Cook shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 04

Sauté garlic: Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.

Step 05

Combine shrimp and sauce: Return shrimp to skillet, add crushed red pepper flakes if desired, lemon juice, and toss to coat evenly.

Step 06

Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 225
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 20 g