Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor but comes together in a flash, you’re going to absolutely love this Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp recipe. This irresistible dish perfectly balances the rich creaminess of butter with the punch of fresh garlic and the vibrant zing of lemon, delivering shrimp cooked to tender, juicy perfection that’s simply unforgettable. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy yet is incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to favorite whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the magic of Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp, you only need a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the shrimp provide a succulent base, butter lends luscious richness, garlic adds bold aroma and depth, while the spices and lemon juice elevate the whole dish with vibrant warmth and brightness.

• 1 pound medium-sized shrimp (41-50 each), peeled & deveined: Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp to ensure tender, juicy bites every time.
• 4 tablespoons salted butter: This is your base for the sauce, giving the dish its creamy and savory character.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a pungent, aromatic punch that infuses the butter sauce beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a lovely color to the shrimp.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a mild bite for balance.
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle heat, but you can adjust to taste.
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon): Provides the perfect tangy contrast that brightens the shrimp.
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of green for a beautiful presentation.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Your Seasoning Blend

Start by mixing salt, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl. This simple seasoning blend creates that irresistible flavor base that sets the stage for your shrimp to shine. Trust me, the blend is magic for that extra pop in every bite!

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry on both sides using paper towels—this step is key for getting a beautiful sear and preventing steaming. Then sprinkle each side generously with your seasoning blend. Dry seasoning means you’ll get that lovely crust that makes the dish so enticing.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic

Warm your skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Watch closely—once it melts but before it starts to brown, toss in the minced garlic. Stir quickly and keep the garlic moving in the pan for about a minute. This releases the garlic’s aroma without letting it burn, which can turn bitter.

Step 4: Pan-Seared Shrimp Cooking

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Let each side cook for 2-3 minutes without crowding the pan. You want a nice golden sear on the shrimp’s surface while locking in that juiciness inside. Flip once when it’s time, and watch how golden and inviting they become.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Finish

Just when the shrimp are perfectly cooked through, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over them and give everything a quick toss to coat. Then transfer the shrimp onto a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh minced parsley if you’re using it. This final step ties all those flavors together with a bright, fresh finish.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some finely chopped chives makes the dish pop visually and adds a fresh, subtle herbaceous note. If you like a bit more zest, an extra lemon wedge on the side never hurts. Simple garnishes elevate the rustic elegance of this dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp pairs like a dream with a fluffy bed of rice, al dente pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes. For lighter sides, consider a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli—these options balance the rich butter sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp as a topping on toasted baguette slices for easy garlic shrimp bruschetta, or toss them into warm lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld bite. You can even mix the shrimp into a garlicky pasta tossed with olive oil and Parmesan for a cozy meal with flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping them cold and sealed maintains the shrimp’s texture and flavor without drying out the buttery garlic sauce.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the shrimp, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag after cooling fully. While shrimp freezes well, it’s best eaten within one month for optimal taste and texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring back that delicious flavor without overcooking, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat. Adding a tiny bit of butter or a squeeze of lemon juice during reheating helps revive the sauce and keeps the shrimp tender and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to get that perfect sear and flavor.

What type of butter works best for Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp?

Salted butter is ideal because it adds seasoning as you cook, but feel free to use unsalted butter if you want to control the salt level more precisely.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the amount up or down to suit your heat preference, or omit it entirely for no spice.

Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?

This dish shines because of shrimp’s delicate texture, but you could try scallops or thinly sliced chicken breast for a similar buttery garlic flavor.

Is Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats wonderfully and is a fantastic protein to add to salads, bowls, or pasta meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Shrimp enough. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction without any fuss. Whether you want a quick dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe is a true winner that will quickly become one of your favorites too. Go ahead: treat yourself and enjoy the buttery, garlicky goodness in every bite!

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