Garlic Butter Shrimp

Enjoy the rich flavors of Italy with Garlic Butter Shrimp, a quick and aromatic dish that combines juicy shrimp with a garlicky butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect as a simple appetizer or a hearty side dish alongside rice or pasta.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 305

Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

For Marinating Shrimp

1 lb Shrimp cleaned & deveined
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Ginger Powder
1 tsp Pepper Powder
1 tsp Chili Flakes
1 tsp Salt
3 tsp Cornstarch

For Garlic Butter Shrimp

2 tbsp Oil for pan-frying shrimp
2 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp Garlic minced
1 tsp Basil Leaves dried
1 tsp Chili Flakes
1½ tsp Parsley dried

For Garnishing

2 tbsp Cilantro or parsley, basil, chopped

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Marinating Shrimp

In a large bowl, mix shrimp with garlic powder, ginger powder, pepper powder, chili flakes, a sprinkle of salt, and a dusting of cornstarch. This combination infuses the shrimp with a flavorful, spicy kick.
Toss the shrimp in the bowl to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the seasoning. For deeper flavor, let the shrimp marinate for 15 minutes. However, you can skip this waiting period for quicker preparation.

Frying the Shrimp

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Test the oil temperature by placing a single shrimp in the pan—it should sizzle upon contact.
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a lovely golden color. The key is to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside succulent.
Once the shrimp reach the desired golden hue, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This step is crucial for removing any excess oil, ensuring your shrimp remain crispy and not greasy.

Making Garlic Butter Shrimp

In the same pan, melt the butter. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté until it's golden and aromatic, laying the foundation for a rich, flavorful sauce.
Introduce dried basil, parsley, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to the butter. Stir these ingredients, allowing them to cook slightly and release their flavors, creating a well-balanced blend.
Gently add the fried shrimp back into the pan. Toss them in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each shrimp is well-coated and infused with the herb and garlic flavors.
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, or basil over the shrimp. This adds a burst of color and a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the rich garlic butter.

Serving

Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp over fluffy, cooked rice or alongside al dente pasta. For more serving ideas, refer to the serving suggestions section below.

Notes

Here are my tips to further enhance your Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe:

Quality Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for better flavor and texture in your dish. I always find that the fresher the shrimp, the more delicious the result.
Patting Shrimp Dry: Before cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents them from becoming too watery.
Room Temperature Butter: Allow the butter to come to room temperature before making the sauce. This ensures smoother blending and better consistency.
Using a Hot Pan: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the shrimp. This helps to quickly sear the shrimp, locking in their juices and giving them a nice, crispy exterior.
Keeping Shrimp Succulent: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. A quick 2-3 minute fry will keep them juicy and tender.
Adjusting Garlic to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. Some people love a strong garlic flavor, while others prefer it milder.
Deglazing the Pan: Optionally, after cooking the shrimp, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or broth before adding the garlic and butter. This adds depth to the sauce and helps incorporate all the delicious browned bits from the pan.
Lemon Juice: Add a little lemon juice to elevate the dish with a fresh, zesty flavor. It's great if you like a bit of tang in your seafood.
Herbs for Aroma and Taste: While dried herbs work well, fresh ones can add an even more delightful aroma and flavor. Use them if you have them on hand.
Layering Flavors: Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of soy sauce to the marinade or sauce for an extra layer of flavor. I love how a bit of smoked paprika can really elevate the dish.

Nutrition

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