Sauteed shrimp is a quick and easy meal that packs a ton of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic butter and lemon you can make restaurant-quality shrimp from the comfort of your own kitchen.
The key to perfect sauteed shrimp is cooking it properly so it turns out tender and juicy, while infusing it with aromatic garlic butter. Follow this simple recipe to learn how to saute shrimp in garlic butter for a fast weeknight dinner.
Step 1: Choose Fresh Shrimp
The first step is picking out high-quality shrimp. Look for raw, peeled and deveined shrimp. Check that the shrimp smells fresh, not fishy, and has a firm, springy texture when you press on it. Large or jumbo shrimp work best for sauteing since the cooking time is short. Buy about 1 pound of shrimp per 2-3 servings.
Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge if not using fresh. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels before cooking. Properly drying the shrimp will help it sear and caramelize instead of steaming.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the shrimp is drying, prepare the flavorful garlic butter sauce. This is what really takes the shrimp to the next level.
In a small bowl, combine:
- 3-4 tablespoons butter (softened or melted)
- 3-4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Mince the garlic cloves for the freshest flavor. Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add warmth, but you can season simply with just salt and pepper.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
Next, season the shrimp with a light coating of salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, paprika or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor. Keep the seasoning simple though, since the garlic butter will add plenty of flavor.
Step 4: Sear the Shrimp
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in an even layer and cook untouched until the bottom edges start to turn pink, about 1-2 minutes.
Resist the urge to stir or flip the shrimp too early. Letting it sear adds nice caramelization to the shrimp. Then flip and cook 1 minute on the other side until opaque.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter
Push the shrimp to one side of the skillet. Add the garlic butter to the cleared area. Let it melt and start foaming, about 30 seconds.
Then mix the butter sauce through the shrimp, tossing everything together. The melted garlic butter will nicely coat each shrimp. Cook while stirring for 1 minute more.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon Juice
Turn off the heat and add the fresh lemon juice. Give everything a final toss. The bright acidity of the lemon will balance the richness of the garlic butter.
If the shrimp looks a little dry, add a splash of wine, chicken broth or water to the pan. This will create an extra juicy sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the sauteed shrimp with extra parsley or lemon wedges. Serve immediately, while hot.
This garlic shrimp tastes fantastic on its own, or served over pasta, rice, or salad greens. Dip some crusty bread into the pan sauce for a tasty appetizer.
Tips for the Best Sauteed Shrimp
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Pat shrimp very dry before cooking for the best sear. Wet shrimp will steam instead of caramelize.
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Use both oil and butter when cooking the shrimp. The oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
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Cook shrimp just until opaque throughout, about 2-4 minutes total. Don’t overcook or it will be rubbery.
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Add aromatics like garlic after searing so they don’t burn.
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Finish with lemon juice just before serving to keep the bright flavor.
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Substitute white wine or chicken broth for some of the butter to make it extra saucy.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Properly stored, leftover sauteed shrimp will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Transfer cooled shrimp to an airtight container, making sure the shrimp is fully submerged in the garlicky sauce. Store shrimp butter side up to avoid sogginess.
To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of butter or oil. Gently heat through until hot, 1-2 minutes. Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Try
Once you master the art of sauteing shrimp in garlic butter, try out some of these tasty shrimp recipes:
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp – Shrimp baked with garlic butter and Parmesan
- Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp in a spicy mayo sauce
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Shrimp with zesty lemon garlic sauce
- Coconut Shrimp – Shrimp breaded in coconut flakes and panko
- Shrimp Scampi – A classic pan sauce of lemon, butter and wine
- Cajun Shrimp – Spicy and flavorful blackened shrimp
- Shrimp Fajitas – With peppers and onions for fajita night
- Shrimp Stir Fry – Quick and easy shrimp stir fry
The possibilities are endless when cooking with plump, juicy shrimp. This easy sauteed shrimp recipe is a great way to start cooking shrimp at home. The garlic butter sauce can also be used with chicken, fish and scallops for a simple weeknight dinner. Once you master the basics, get creative with different seasonings and global flavor combinations. Enjoy!
Quick & Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp | How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
How do you prepare garlic butter shrimp?
To prepare garlic butter shrimp, dry the shrimp using paper towels. Add the seasonings and toss to coat. Melt the butter in a pan and add the shallot. Cook the shrimp, flipping to cook on the other side. Add the wine and garlic.
How do you cook shrimp with garlic?
Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Step 3: Add garlic. Turn the shrimp and add 2 teaspoons ( 6 grams) of minced garlic (about 2 cloves) and continue to sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and no longer translucent. They should all have the tails curled in, be firm, and opaque (remove any shrimp whose tails do not curl in).
How can I add spice to garlic butter shrimp?
To add spice to garlic butter shrimp, you can add a pinch of red pepper. For a spicier version, feel free to add additional cayenne or red pepper flakes to taste. Alternatively, you can make garlic butter shrimp with paprika for some spice without it being too hot.
How do you cook shrimp in a sauté pan?
This recipe is for sautéed shrimp on the stovetop, not in a crock pot. On average, shrimp take 2-3 minutes to cook completely in a sauté pan. Whisk in 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice and a couple of tablespoons of vegetable or chicken stock. There will be a lot of flavor left in the pan, but you may still need a little bit of salt. Taste and add seasoning if necessary.