Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp

If you love shrimp, this is the kind of simple seafood recipe that delivers big flavor without needing a long list of ingredients. Juicy shrimp get coated in warm garlic butter and fresh herbs, coming together in just 20 minutes for an easy dinner or appetizer that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, big flavor. Butter, garlic, and fresh herbs are all it takes to make these shrimp shine.
• Ready in 20 minutes. A fast dish that works as a main or a shareable appetizer.
• Fresh, bright finish. Parsley, green onions, and lemon juice keep the richness balanced.
• A little heat if you want it. Red pepper flakes are optional, so you can adjust to taste.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional

How to Make Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Sear the shrimp. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden.

3. Add the garlic butter. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.

4. Coat the shrimp. Toss the shrimp gently in the garlic butter until every piece is well coated. Add the red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

5. Add the fresh herbs. Stir in the parsley, green onions, and lemon juice. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds, just long enough for the flavors to combine.

6. Serve warm. Transfer the garlic butter shrimp to a serving dish and spoon the extra garlic herb butter from the skillet over the top. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking the shrimp in a single layer helps them sear instead of steam.
• Watch the garlic closely. It can burn quickly in hot butter, so keep an eye on it during that step.
• Add the herbs and lemon at the end. This keeps their fresh, bright flavor from cooking off too much.
• Serve immediately. These shrimp are best enjoyed hot, right out of the skillet while the butter is still glossy.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp

These shrimp are versatile enough to serve over rice or pasta for a full dinner, or alongside crusty bread as a shareable appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions