Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe
You’re about to discover my favorite 15-minute garlic butter shrimp recipe that’s transformed countless weeknight dinners at my house. I’ve perfected this one-pan wonder through years of testing, and I’ll share every buttery, garlicky secret that makes it restaurant-worthy. From selecting the plumpest shrimp to creating that irresistible sauce that’ll have you reaching for crusty bread, you’re in for a treat that’s both foolproof and impressive.
Why You’ll Love This 15-Minute Dish
Three irresistible qualities make this garlic butter shrimp skillet a weeknight dinner superstar.
First, you’ll love how quickly it comes together – just 15 minutes from start to finish. The rich, garlicky butter sauce perfectly coats each succulent shrimp, creating restaurant-quality flavor.
Plus, you’ll only need one pan, which means minimal cleanup. I’ve made this countless times when craving something special but short on time.
Essential Ingredients & Substitutions
While this dish only requires a handful of key ingredients, selecting the right ones makes all the difference in creating that perfect garlic butter sauce.
You’ll need: 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 6 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth), fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Can’t find fresh shrimp? Frozen works great – just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s create this mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp dish together. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, melting butter until it’s slightly bubbling.
| Step | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Sauté garlic | 1 min | Medium-high |
| Cook shrimp | 2-3 mins | Medium-high |
| Simmer sauce | 2 mins | Medium |
Add your shrimp in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Since mastering garlic butter shrimp requires attention to detail, I’m excited to share my favorite professional tips that’ll elevate your dish from good to restaurant-quality.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve that perfect golden sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed.
- Use room temperature butter to prevent separation.
- Remove shrimp when they’re just barely pink – they’ll continue cooking.
- Finish with a splash of white wine to deglaze those flavorful brown bits.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Because this garlic butter shrimp is so versatile, I’m thrilled to share my favorite ways to serve this crowd-pleasing dish. You’ll love pairing it with crusty bread for soaking up that delicious sauce or serving it over perfectly cooked pasta.
| Main Pairings | Side Dishes | Wine Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Angel Hair Pasta | Roasted Asparagus | Pinot Grigio |
| Crusty Baguette | Garlic Green Beans | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Jasmine Rice | Caesar Salad | Chardonnay |
For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead.
Storage & Reheating Guidelines
While you’re enjoying this flavorful shrimp dish with your favorite sides, you’ll want to know the best ways to store any leftovers (though I rarely have any!).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes
- Add a splash of water when reheating to maintain moisture
- Skip the microwave – it’ll make the shrimp rubbery and tough