If you are looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a restaurant meal, this Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is the ultimate choice. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a fiery kick of red pepper flakes and finished with fresh lemon juice. Ready in under 15 minutes, it is perfect for weeknight dinners, served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté Garlic and Chili: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without moving them, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the lemon juice to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and coats the shrimp in a culinary-grade glaze. Remove from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Tips and Notes
- Do Not Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they curl into a C-shape and turn opaque, remove them from heat. Overcooking makes them rubbery and dry.
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Drying the shrimp before cooking helps them sear beautifully in the butter rather than steaming in their own juices.
