Garlic Shrimp

This easy garlic shrimp recipe is ready in 30 minutes! Juicy shrimp, lemon, garlic, and a buttery skillet sauce make the perfect weeknight dinner.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Shrimp Recipes

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Marinating Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 157kcal

Author Kathleen

In a medium bowl, combine olive oil (1 tablespoon), minced garlic (4 cloves), lemon zest, red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon), and a pinch of kosher salt. Add shrimp (1 pound) and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to infuse flavor.
Have the serving dish ready near the stove, cooking the shrimp does not take long.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and marinade to the skillet in a single layer. Cook about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Reduce the heat, add 1/4 cup water (or wine or dry vermouth) stirring frequently, to bloom the garlic and deglaze the pan. Reduce the liquid to half, and build the sauce.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in cold butter (1 tablespoon) and lemon juice (2 tablespoons) until butter melts and sauce is silky. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
Toss in chopped parsley (2 tablespoons) and stir gently to combine.
Spoon the sauce over top of cooked shrimp and serve immediately. Suggestions include: over pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan, atop creamy polenta, or with toasted sourdough to mop up the sauce.

Lots of Liquid – If your shrimp release a lot of liquid, don’t worry—just remove them once cooked and let the sauce reduce for an extra minute before adding the butter.”
Use fresh or thawed shrimp – Frozen shrimp work perfectly, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before marinating so they sear instead of steaming.
Don’t over-marinate – A short 15–20 minute soak in the garlic-lemon mixture is plenty. Longer and the acid from the lemon can start to “cook” the shrimp.
Choose your skillet wisely – A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) gives the shrimp a nice sear and prevents overcrowding.
Have everything ready – Shrimp cook in just minutes, so measure out your ingredients and keep your serving dish nearby before you start.
Wine or broth for flavor – Deglazing with dry white wine or vermouth adds depth, but chicken broth or even water can be used if you prefer alcohol-free.