Simple Garlic Shrimp
Juicy, tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic-butter sauce with lemon, parsley, and a touch of paprika. This quick one-pan recipe is incredibly flavorful and takes about 10–15 minutes from start to finish. Garlic, butter, lemon, and shrimp are a classic combination used in many quick garlic-shrimp preparations.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
6–8 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ tsp salt, or to taste
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1–2 tbsp chicken or vegetable broth if you want extra sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the shrimp
Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps them brown instead of steaming.
Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat the pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
3. Cook the shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Shrimp cook very quickly, so avoid overcooking them.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate.
4. Make the garlic butter
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Add lemon
Stir in:
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Optional red pepper flakes
For a saucier version, add 1–2 tablespoons broth and simmer for about 1 minute.
6. Bring everything together
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently in the garlic-butter sauce.
Cook for another 30–60 seconds so the shrimp are coated and warmed through.
7. Finish
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Add Parmesan if desired and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
What to Serve With Garlic Shrimp
For a low-carb meal:
Cauliflower rice
Zucchini noodles
Steamed broccoli
Roasted asparagus
Green salad
For a more filling meal:
White or brown rice
Pasta
Orzo
Crusty bread
Roasted potatoes
The garlic-butter sauce also works particularly well over rice, pasta, or orzo.
Recipe Tips
Use large shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp are easier to cook without drying out.
Pat them dry: Excess moisture prevents good browning.
Don’t burn the garlic: Garlic only needs about a minute in the pan. Burnt garlic can make the entire dish bitter.
Frozen shrimp are fine: Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Want it spicy? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Want it creamy? Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream after adding the lemon.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings and without optional Parmesan:
Calories: ~350
Protein: ~36 g
Fat: ~21 g
Carbohydrates: ~4 g
Fiber: ~0.5 g
Sugar: ~1 g
Sodium: ~700 mg
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary according to shrimp size, butter, seasonings, and exact ingredients used.
Nut Information
Contains: No tree nuts or peanuts in the basic recipe.
Gluten-free: Yes, when using certified gluten-free seasonings/broth.
Dairy-free: No, because the recipe contains butter. For dairy-free shrimp, substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Egg-free: Yes.
Soy-free: Yes, provided your seasonings and butter substitute are soy-free.
Main allergen: Shellfish (shrimp). Anyone with a shellfish allergy should avoid this recipe.
Recipe Q&A
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them completely, drain well, and pat them very dry before seasoning.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
They should be opaque and pink, firm but still tender. Avoid cooking them until they become very firm or rubbery.
Can I leave the shrimp tails on?
Absolutely. Tails can add flavor and make the dish look more attractive. Removing them simply makes the shrimp easier to eat.
Can I make this without butter?
Yes. Replace the butter with olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately because shrimp can become rubbery when reheated. If meal-prepping, slightly undercook the shrimp and reheat gently.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Try spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli.
Can I make it extra garlicky?
Absolutely. Increase the garlic to 10 cloves if you love a strong garlic flavor.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. The basic recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them only at the end and heat for about 1–2 minutes. Cooking them from raw generally gives a better texture.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7–10 minutes
Total Time: 12–15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American/Mediterranean-inspired
Course: Main Course / Appetizer
Difficulty: Easy
