Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Savor the delightful combination of rich garlic butter and fiery spices in this Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe. Perfectly sautéed shrimp are enveloped in a creamy, zesty sauce that elevates any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's full of flavor and ready in just 15 minutes!

Lucy Price

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2025-12-09T11:49:11.946Z

A Flavor Explosion

The Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. The mixture of buttery richness and the heat from red pepper flakes creates a tantalizing experience that will have your taste buds celebrating. Each bite delivers a complex taste that is both comforting and bold, making it a go-to recipe for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavors.

With its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you serve it over a bed of rice, with crusty bread, or alongside your favorite side dishes, the combination of succulent shrimp and the rich garlic butter sauce is bound to please everyone at the table. It's a versatile option that can adapt to various occasions, be it a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends and family.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the standout features of this Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is its quick and easy preparation. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want a delicious, homemade meal. The tedious tasks of peeling and deveining shrimp can be streamlined by purchasing pre-prepared shrimp, making this dish even more accessible. Simply gather your ingredients, and you'll have a stunning meal on the table in no time.

This recipe's simplicity doesn’t compromise on flavor or quality, which makes it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. The straightforward steps ensure that you won’t be overwhelmed with complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a fantastic introduction to cooking seafood for those looking to hone their culinary skills without the hassle.

Perfect Pairings

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Enjoy this dish with your favorite side!

Instructions

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until pink and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).

Finish and Serve

Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp crisp and hot!

Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp, choose fresh, high-quality shrimp. Look for shrimp that is firm to the touch and has a briny, ocean-like smell. If frozen shrimp is your only option, ensure it's properly thawed before cooking. This helps in achieving a good sear and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery due to excess moisture.

When cooking shrimp, remember that they cook very quickly. Keeping a close eye on them will prevent overcooking, which can lead to a tough texture. They should be opaque and curl into a 'C' shape when properly cooked. Follow these tips, and you'll be rewarded with perfectly tender shrimp every time.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine with such a delicious dish!), proper storage is essential to maintain the shrimp's flavor and texture. Allow the shrimp to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days, but it's best to consume them sooner for optimal freshness.

When it’s time to reheat, do so gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may result in uneven cooking and tough shrimp. If you have leftover sauce, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a bit of extra butter during reheating to enhance the flavor and consistency! This will keep the dish lively and enjoyable even on the second day.

Spice Level Customization

The beauty of this Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe lies in its flexibility. If you're sensitive to spice, you can easily reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely for a milder dish. On the other hand, if you prefer a more intense heat, feel free to increase the quantity or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Additionally, you can customize the flavors with different herbs and spices. Consider substituting the parsley with fresh cilantro or dill to give your dish a unique twist. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients like a splash of lemon juice or lime zest for zestiness and brightness. This adaptability makes it easy to tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Savor the delightful combination of rich garlic butter and fiery spices in this Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe. Perfectly sautéed shrimp are enveloped in a creamy, zesty sauce that elevates any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's full of flavor and ready in just 15 minutes!

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time15 minutes

Created by: Lucy Price

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Shrimp

  1. 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. 6 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until pink and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 02

Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp crisp and hot!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g