Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe (Quick Simple Sauce)

Whip up this garlic butter shrimp recipe for an easy weeknight dinner that is made with fresh shrimp and a homemade garlic butter sauce that makes this shrimp melt in your mouth. Serve over a bed of rice, pair with your favorite roasted vegetables or even some risotto. No matter what you serve with this shrimp recipe, it is sure to please.

A plate of garlic butter shrimp on a bed of rice.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Kim Schob.

Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, and it will enhance the flavors tremendously. Pair with some crusty bread and slather up the extra sauce on your plate. This is a great recipe for busy weeknights when you are on the hunt for easy dinners.

Want more seafood recipes? If so make sure to try out my jumbo garlic shrimp, Instant Pot jambalaya, or shrimp tacos.

If you are in the mood to do more with garlic and have an Air Fryer, try these garlic parmesan fries next!

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: This garlic butter shrimp recipe calls for basic yet flavorful ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, making it an ideal go-to meal for any day of the week.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a hassle-free dinner after a long day. It ensures a delicious meal without the lengthy cooking time.
Versatile Serving Options: This shrimp recipe beautifully complements various side dishes, whether served over steaming rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a succulent risotto.
Healthy and Satisfying: Shrimp is a great source of protein and essential nutrients, making this meal both a healthy and satisfying option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

What’s in This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe?

Shrimp, Lemon, Butter, Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, and Salt on a white surface.

Shrimp—For this recipe, you will want to use a pound of shrimp. You can now use large, medium, or even jumbo shrimp.
Butter – Real butter is needed for this recipe, not margarine.
Garlic Cloves – Smashed or minced garlic is what you will need for this recipe.
Italian Seasoning – So for this recipe I used an Italian seasoning blend to help elevate the flavor of the shrimp.
Paprika – The paprika adds a nice color but also a hint of flavor to the shrimp.
Salt – You will use salt to bring out flavors but also flavor to taste at the end.
Lemon Juice—Fresh lemon juice pairs perfectly with shrimp. It really brings out tons of flavor in the shrimp.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter Alternative: For a dairy-free option, replace butter with the same amount of olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. This alternative will still infuse the shrimp with a rich flavor.
Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic is not available, you can opt for garlic powder. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute for every clove of garlic called for in the recipe.
Seasoning Variations: Instead of Italian seasoning, feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick or a mixture of parsley and cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Lime Juice: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a tropical twist. It pairs wonderfully with shrimp and adds a zesty, tangy flavor.
Add Heat: If you enjoy heat with your shrimp, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

How to Make This Butter And Garlic Shrimp Recipe (step-by-step directions)

Collage of creating garlic butter shrimp.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8×8 baking dish by setting it aside.
Place the shrimp in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer. (Photo 1)
In a small saucepan, add the butter and garlic. Heat until the butter melts and the mixture becomes fragrant, which should take a couple of minutes. (Photo 2)
Mix the Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt into the butter and garlic mixture. Once combined, pour this mixture over the shrimp in the baking dish. (Photos 3 & 4)

Collage of cooked garlic butter shrimp on a casserole and on a bed of rice.

Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven until they are no longer pink. Depending on their size, this should take about 15-20 minutes.
Once fully cooked, remove the shrimp from the oven and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Serve as desired. (Photos 5 & 6)

Garlic butter shrimp with rice on a steel blue plate.

Recipe Tips

You can add in a splash of chicken broth to richen the sauce even more.
Top with fresh chopped parsley to add depth of flavor but also a gorgeous presentation value.
Ensure you do a single layer of shrimp in the baking dish, or it will not cook evenly.
If you use unsalted butter, add salt to the dish. If you use salted butter, omit the salt in the recipe.
When run under cold water, the shrimp thaws quickly. If you are working with frozen shrimp, do this. That way, you can get an even cook on this quick meal.
Spice up the shrimp with some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.
Richen the sauce even more with a splash of your favorite dry white wine.
Fresh garlic and fresh herbs truly enhance the flavor of the shrimp as it bakes.
Top with some black pepper, extra sauce, and a splash of lemon juice.

Storing Tips

Refrigerate any shrimp you do not eat right away. It needs to be stored in an airtight container. The seafood will last 1-2 days in the fridge. Then just eat leftover shrimp cold or warm it up if you would like.

To warm the shrimp, you can cook it in a large skillet or microwave it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your shrimp with a side of cauliflower rice, cilantro-lime rice, risotto, or even dill pasta salad. Or, if you want to keep it simple, roast up some vegetables to go along with it.

Plate of garlic butter shrimp over rice.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe with frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just ensure that the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry to remove any excess water before using them. Thawing under cold water speeds up the process and helps achieve an even cook.

Is it necessary to remove the shrimp tails for this easy recipe?

Removing the shrimp tails is a matter of personal preference. They can be left on for presentation and are easily removed when eating. However, if you prefer a more straightforward dining experience, feel free to remove them before cooking.

Can I grill the garlic butter shrimp instead of baking?

Absolutely! To grill garlic butter shrimp, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Skewer the shrimp (if desired) and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remember to baste them with the garlic butter mixture while they grill to infuse them with flavor.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink, opaque, and form a slight ‘C’ shape. Overcooked shrimp tend to curl tightly into an ‘O’ shape and can have a rubbery texture. It’s important to keep an eye on them, especially since cooking times can vary based on their size.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! Adding vegetables makes this dish even more wholesome. You could mix in asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini into the baking dish with the shrimp. Just ensure they are cut small enough to cook within the same timeframe as the shrimp.

Need More Weeknight Dinner Recipes? Try These:

Did you make this recipe? Rate it!

Or any other delicious recipes on my site? If so, please leave a ★★★★★ star rating below and a 📝 comment sharing your thoughts!

To ensure you’re not missing a thing. Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along below!

5 from 1 vote