Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Quick, Juicy & Packed with Flavor

If you’re searching for a fast, flavorful, and foolproof seafood dish, this Garlic Shrimp recipe is exactly what you need. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice and herbs, creating a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes.

This easy garlic butter shrimp is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even elegant dinner parties. With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a quick seafood dinner without sacrificing flavor.

Whether served over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables, this lemon garlic shrimp recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Why This Garlic Shrimp Recipe Works

• Ready in just 20 minutes
• Uses minimal pantry ingredients
• Naturally high in protein
• Perfect for low-carb and keto diets
• Versatile for pasta, rice, tacos, or salads
• Big flavor with very little effort

Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully, making it ideal for simple yet impressive meals.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp.
   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a perfect sear.
2. Heat the pan.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the shrimp.
   Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan.
4. Add garlic and seasoning.
   Reduce heat slightly. Add remaining butter, minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add lemon juice.
   Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat.
6. Finish with parsley.
   Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp

Use Large or Jumbo Shrimp

Larger shrimp stay juicier and are less likely to overcook.

Don’t Overcook

Shrimp cooks very fast. Once pink and opaque, remove from heat immediately. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.

Fresh Garlic Is Best

Freshly minced garlic delivers the strongest, most aromatic flavor compared to jarred garlic.

Pat Shrimp Dry

Dry shrimp sears better and avoids steaming in the pan.

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Variations

Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Add ¼ cup heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes to create a creamy garlic sauce perfect for pasta.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Toss cooked shrimp with spaghetti or linguine and extra lemon zest.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado slices.

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What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp

This shrimp dinner recipe pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Garlic butter rice
• Angel hair pasta
• Zucchini noodles
• Quinoa
• Crusty bread
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

It also works wonderfully as a protein topping for salads or grain bowls.

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Storage & Reheating

Store leftover garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat:

• Warm gently in a skillet over low heat.
• Add a splash of water or broth to keep shrimp moist.
• Avoid microwave overheating.

Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious if reheated carefully.

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Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp is:

• High in lean protein
• Low in calories
• Rich in selenium and vitamin B12
• A good source of iodine
• Naturally low in carbohydrates

This makes lemon garlic shrimp an excellent choice for low-carb, keto, and high-protein meal plans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can, but cook only briefly to warm through since they’re already cooked.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Replace butter with extra olive oil.

How do I know shrimp is done?

Shrimp turns pink and curls slightly into a “C” shape when fully cooked.

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Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp recipe is proof that incredible flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and bright lemon freshness, it’s the ultimate quick seafood dinner for any occasion.

From busy weeknights to last-minute entertaining, this easy garlic butter shrimp is a reliable go-to that delivers every single time.