Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe (Buttered Shrimp)

Break the Spice

Video Stats

Channel: Break the Spice
Host: Break the Spice
Published: Jul 9, 2025
Views: 72.9k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Serves: 3

Overview

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the rich flavors of garlic and butter. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The key to this dish is the quality of the shrimp; using jumbo shrimp elevates the meal, providing a satisfying bite. The garlic is sautéed to perfection, infusing the butter with its aromatic essence, while the addition of lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the butter.

One of the standout features of this recipe is the use of nutmeg, which adds a unique depth of flavor that complements the garlic and shrimp beautifully. The technique of adding cold butter at the end creates a luscious sauce that clings to the shrimp, making each bite a burst of flavor. This dish can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making it versatile for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, Garlic Butter Shrimp is sure to be a hit. Its simplicity and flavor make it a go-to recipe in any seafood lover’s repertoire. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase the natural sweetness of shrimp while keeping the cooking process quick and easy.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:00

Use 1 lb/450g peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp.

2
00:09

Add 1/2 tsp salt to the shrimp, mix well, and let it sit for 15 minutes.

3
00:15

Add 1 tbsp minced garlic.

4
00:22

Finely chop some parsley.

5
00:32

Juice 1/2 lemon, adding more or less to your liking.

6
00:36

Melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter in 1 tbsp olive oil.

7
00:39

Lightly fry 1 sprig of thyme for 30 seconds.

8
00:45

Set flame to medium high, add the salted shrimp, and spread them out.

9
00:52

Sauté shrimp until they are cooked through.

10
01:01

Set to low flame, remove the thyme, and add 1 tbsp butter.

11
01:08

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

12
01:12

Add 1/4 tsp chili/cayenne pepper powder and mix well.

13
01:16

Add the juice of half a lemon and reduce for 1 minute.

14
01:24

Switch off the flame, add 2/3 cup (150g) cold butter a little bit at a time, and mix well.

01:32

Tip: Use a whisk to keep the sauce smooth while melting the butter.

15
01:40

Flavor the sauce with 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg, salt, pepper, and finely chopped parsley.

01:40

Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning to your liking.

16
01:49

Taste the sauce and adjust to your liking.

17
01:56

Pour the sauce over the shrimp or serve on the side.

18
02:01

Allow the heat from the shrimp to melt the sauce slightly.

19
02:04

Garlic butter shrimp is ready! Serve it with bread, pasta, or rice.

Ingredients

Serves: 3
Garlic1 tbsp
Olive Oil1 tbsp
Lemon1/2
Parsley
Nutmeg1/4 tsp
Thyme
Salt
Pepper
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Shellfish

    → Substitution: Chicken or Tofu

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Oil

Nutrition

Calories
480
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
5
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Beginner
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • Shrimp is a low-calorie source of protein and is rich in essential nutrients.
  • Garlic not only adds flavor but also has health benefits, including boosting the immune system.
  • Using cold butter helps create a smooth sauce when mixed with the residual heat from the pan.
  • Sautéing shrimp quickly at high heat ensures they remain tender and juicy.