Juicy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
Juicy garlic butter shrimp sautéed with fresh lemon, herbs, and a rich buttery sauce. A quick and flavorful seafood dinner ready in about 15 minutes.
By RecipeLily Editorial Team · Published October 8, 2026 · Updated November 13, 2026
These juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp are packed with rich, buttery flavor, fresh garlic, and a bright splash of lemon. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can prepare a delicious seafood dinner in about 15 minutes.
The shrimp are quickly sautéed until tender, then coated in a silky garlic butter sauce with lemon juice and fresh parsley. A little paprika adds warmth, while the lemon balances the richness of the butter.
Serve these garlic butter shrimp over fluffy rice, buttery pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce. They're perfect for busy weeknights, easy family dinners, or a special meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
RecipeLily.com
Juicy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Prep Time
- 5 mins
- Cook Time
- 10 mins
- Total Time
- 15 mins
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
Ingredients
Servings: 4
- For the Garlic Butter Shrimp
- For Serving
Directions
Step 1
Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to foam.
Step 3
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, depending on their size, until pink and opaque. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4
Transfer the shrimp to a clean plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
Step 5
Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 6
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Step 7
Stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently for about 30 seconds until evenly coated and heated through.
Step 8
Check that the shrimp are fully cooked, opaque, and firm. If using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 9
Remove from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking. Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges, crusty bread, rice, or cooked pasta.
Cook’s Notes
Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for faster preparation and even cooking.
Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to help them sear rather than steam.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary for better texture.
Fresh garlic and lemon juice give the butter sauce a bright, delicious flavor. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the heat as soon as they are fully cooked. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
For a slightly spicy variation, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use within 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly.
Serve with cooked pasta, steamed rice, or warm crusty bread to enjoy the garlic butter sauce.
