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A sizzling garlic butter shrimp skillet, perfectly golden.

Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

This classic garlic butter shrimp skillet recipe delivers succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce, ready in minutes. It's an easy yet elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Breakfast
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, half juiced, half cut into wedges for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • paper towels

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat the shrimp dry, then season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
  3. Cook half the shrimp in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, then remove to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, then sauté minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, squeeze in lemon juice, and toss to coat.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; cook in batches if necessary. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.