Simple Garlic Shrimp: An Easy, Flavorful Seafood Classic

If you love savory, buttery seafood dishes packed with flavor but short on prep time, Simple Garlic Shrimp is a must-try for your dinner rotation. This recipe delivers plump, perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich pan sauce loaded with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs—ready in under 15 minutes. Great as an appetizer or main course, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to week after week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Just a few ingredients and about 15 minutes are all you need.
• Big flavor: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make every bite zingy and bright.
• Restaurant quality at home: Make impressive shrimp without fuss.
• Flexible serving options: Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely have on hand:

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt, to taste
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon caper brine
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 4 equal pieces, divided
• ⅓ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
• 1 teaspoon water, or as needed

Ingredient Notes & Variations

• Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for best texture, but any size works. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp are both great.
• Lemon juice: Fresh-squeezed is essential for best flavor.
• Caper brine: Adds a gentle tang. If you don’t have capers, substitute with a splash of white wine or extra lemon juice.
• Butter: Cold butter helps emulsify and thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
• Parsley: Flat-leaf parsley adds freshness; you can sub in cilantro for a different twist.
• Red pepper flakes: Adjust the amount for more or less heat, or omit entirely for a milder dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients before you begin. Peel and devein shrimp if not already done, and finely mince the garlic.
2. Heat the Skillet: Add olive oil to a heavy skillet and heat over high until just starting to smoke.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Arrange shrimp in an even layer and cook for 1 minute without stirring. Season with a bit of salt, then cook and stir until shrimp just start to turn pink (about 1 more minute).
4. Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to release the garlic’s aroma.
5. Deglaze & Build the Sauce: Pour in lemon juice and caper brine. Add one piece of butter and half the chopped parsley. Stir until butter melts and combines, about 1 minute.
6. Finish with Butter: Lower the heat to low. Add remaining butter pieces, one at a time, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and shrimp are opaque and cooked through (2–3 minutes). Don’t overcook!
7. Remove Shrimp & Finish Sauce: Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a serving bowl. Continue cooking the sauce a minute longer; add water a teaspoon at a time if the sauce gets too thick.
8. Serve: Season sauce with salt if needed. Pour sauce over the shrimp and top with remaining parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp

• High Heat is Key: Searing the shrimp quickly ensures flavor without overcooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Shrimp should be in a single layer so they sear, not steam.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly—remove from pan as soon as they’re opaque and pink.
• Finishing with cold butter gives the sauce a rich, glossy finish.
• Adjust heat level to your preference by varying the red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over warm rice or pasta to soak up all the delicious buttery sauce.
• Pair with crusty bread for dipping.
• Accompany with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a fresh, complete meal.
• For a lighter option, spoon shrimp over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

Wine Pairing

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry Rosé complements the garlicky, lemony shrimp beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Values are estimates and will vary based on exact brands and ingredients used.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• How to Peel and Devein Shrimp: Use kitchen shears to cut along the back and remove the vein. Rinse under cold water.
• Make Ahead: Mince garlic and chop parsley in advance for quick weeknight prep. Don’t cook shrimp ahead—they’re best fresh!
• Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet until just warmed through.
• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Variations

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Add a splash of heavy cream after the butter for a richer sauce.
• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
• Mediterranean Style: Add halved cherry tomatoes and olives, or top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
• Garlic Lime Shrimp: Substitute lime juice and zest for a punchier, citrusy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size shrimp should I use?

Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal for this recipe, but you can use any size. Adjust cooking time as smaller shrimp cook more quickly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute plant-based butter for the regular butter for a dairy-free dish with the same creamy sauce texture.

Do I have to use caper brine?

No, but it adds a subtle tang. You can substitute with white wine, a splash of vinegar, or just use extra lemon juice.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp are done when they’re opaque and pink on both sides, and form a loose ‘C’ shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly and become rubbery.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check the labels on your individual ingredients to be certain.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Definitely. Thaw fully under cold running water or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat dry for the best sear.

Chef’s Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp

• Use fresh garlic and lemon for the most vibrant flavor.
• Chill the butter and add it at the end to thicken and emulsify the sauce.
• Don’t skip the parsley: It adds freshness and color right at the end.
• Salt in layers: Season shrimp lightly at the start, then adjust sauce to taste at the end.
• Use a heavy skillet: Cast iron or stainless steel work best for even cooking and flavor development.

More Garlic Shrimp Variations You’ll Love

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fast and easy dinner that’s sure to impress, this Simple Garlic Shrimp delivers every time. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes at the stove, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home. Try this recipe as written, or explore the suggested variations and serving ideas to suit your taste. Make sure to keep some fresh bread or rice on hand—every bite of that garlicky, buttery sauce is worth savoring.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman