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Recipes under 10 min

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp in less than 10 Minutes

Elena Marlowe··Estimated read time: 1 min

Succulent shrimp quickly seared and finished in a lemon-garlic butter for a bright, savory, weeknight main that comes together in about ten minutes.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Hero image
Prep5 min
Cook5 min
Total10 min
Servings4

Nutrition Facts

Approximate, per serving
Calories
219 kcal
Protein
23.1g g
Carbs
1.5g g
Fat
13.8g g

Allergens

Containsmilk
Containscrustacean shellfish

Disclaimer: This recipe contains or may contain the allergens listed above. Always check labels and consult ingredient sources.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 4 cloves Garlic
    minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
  • 1 lb Large shrimp
    peeled and deveined, preferably with tails left on
  • 3/4 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mash the unsalted butter with the lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is evenly blended; set this garlic-herb butter aside within reach of the stove.

    Chef’s tip

    If the butter is very firm, let it sit at room temperature until soft enough to mash; the compound butter can be prepared ahead and chilled to save time.

  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with the sea salt and black pepper.

    Chef’s tip

    Removing surface moisture helps the shrimp develop a better sear rather than steaming in the pan.

  3. Warm the olive oil in a medium cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then reduce any splatter by ensuring the oil coats the pan; keep the butter mixture nearby for quick access.

    Chef’s tip

    The oil should move faintly in the pan and reflect light when it’s ready; this visual cue avoids overheating.

  4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes, allowing the undersides to color.

    step 4 image
    Chef’s tip

    Work in batches if the pan would be crowded—shrimp need space to brown rather than steam.

  5. Flip the shrimp, scatter pieces of the garlic-herb butter around them, and sear for an additional 1–2 minutes while occasionally spooning the melted butter over the shrimp until they turn opaque and are just firm to the touch.

    Chef’s tip

    Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste so the butter evenly coats the shrimp; remove promptly once opaque to prevent overcooking.

This garlic butter shrimp delivers tender, succulent shrimp coated in a bright lemon-and-garlic compound butter with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. A brief sear in a hot skillet creates a lightly caramelized exterior while the butter melts into a glossy sauce that clings to each piece. The finished dish balances citrus brightness, warm garlic aroma, and buttery richness, with fresh parsley adding a clean herb note. It’s an ideal option for fast weeknight dinners, last-minute guests, or a simple protein to pair with rice, pasta, or a green salad. The garlic-herb butter can be mixed ahead of time to save prep minutes, making the recipe especially convenient for quick assembly.

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