Go Back
SimplySeafood

Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Shrimp

Golden seared shrimp tossed in a rich garlic butter Parmesan sauce, this crispy garlic butter Parmesan shrimp comes together in one skillet in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 7 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Microplane or fine grater

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels so they sear cleanly and turn golden instead of steaming.
  2. Toss the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for about 1½ minutes per side, until golden on the edges and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet, add the garlic, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
  5. Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until a thick, glossy garlic Parmesan coating forms.
  6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated in the garlic Parmesan butter.
  7. Cook for 1 more minute, allowing the Parmesan to lightly crisp onto the shrimp.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter, spoon any remaining garlic butter over the top, and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the shrimp bone dry before seasoning; wet shrimp will not sear properly.
Sear in batches if your skillet is small so the shrimp browns instead of steaming.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts far better than pre-shredded Parmesan.
Have all ingredients prepared before starting because the recipe cooks quickly once the pan is hot.