Craving a seafood dinner that delivers restaurant-level richness without the wait? This garlic butter shrimp recipe brings bold flavor, silky texture, and fresh ingredients to your table in just 20 minutes. Shrimp is one of the fastest-cooking proteins, and Americans consume over 5 pounds of shrimp per person annually, making it the most popular seafood in the U.S..
That popularity isn’t surprising when you consider what this dish offers: juicy, tender shrimp seared in garlic-infused butter, finished with a swirl of cream and a splash of lemon. It’s weeknight-fast but indulgent enough for guests, and when made with All Fresh Seafood’s premium tail-on shrimp, it hits all the right notes for taste, texture, and ease.
Whether you’re serving it over pasta, pairing it with rice, or mopping up the sauce with warm, crusty bread, this recipe fits any night you want something quick, luxurious, and loaded with flavor.
Let’s break down what makes this dish a seafood staple, and how to get it right every time.
Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Is the Ultimate Weeknight Upgrade
Weeknights often call for speed, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Garlic butter shrimp offers a rare combination: minimal prep, fast cooking time, and rich, luxurious taste. In fact, creamy shrimp dishes are surging in popularity, with search interest for “shrimp in garlic butter sauce” growing steadily over the past two years, especially in quick-dinner categories.
What sets this dish apart is its adaptability. It’s quick enough to throw together after work, yet polished enough for a dinner party. The garlic butter sauce adds depth, while the splash of lemon and parsley keep it light. Add crusty bread or fresh pasta, and you’ve got a meal that feels far more indulgent than its prep time suggests.
Garlic butter shrimp proves that “fast” and “flavorful” aren’t mutually exclusive, especially when you start with the right ingredients.
The Star Ingredient: All Fresh Seafood’s Peeled Tail-On Shrimp
The foundation of any great shrimp recipe is, unsurprisingly, the shrimp itself. That’s why All Fresh Seafood’s peeled tail-on shrimp makes all the difference.
Available in both 16/20 count and 8/12 count sizes, these shrimp are perfectly portioned for different occasions. The 16/20 count offers a balance of bite and tenderness for everyday meals. The 8/12 count, with fewer shrimp per pound, gives you meatier, presentation-worthy pieces ideal for entertaining or special recipes.
Why keep the tails on? In tail-on shrimp recipes, the tails serve more than just visual appeal, they help retain flavor during cooking and make plating look instantly elevated. It's a small detail that has a big impact on both taste and texture.
Every shrimp from All Fresh Seafood is:
- Wild-caught or sourced from responsible farms
- Hand-peeled and deveined for convenience
- Flash-frozen at peak freshness for optimal quality
When a recipe takes just 20 minutes, the quality of your shrimp isn’t just important, it’s essential. These premium, ready-to-cook options let you focus on building flavor without worrying about prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Matter)
Great recipes start with smart ingredients. This creamy garlic lemon shrimp relies on a short, carefully balanced list that lets each flavor shine. Here's what you'll need, and why it matters:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb peeled raw tail-on shrimp (16/20 or 8/12 count): The core of this dish. Choose high-quality, tail-on shrimp to lock in flavor and elevate the presentation.
- Olive oil + unsalted butter: The dual fat base helps sear the shrimp evenly while creating a rich foundation for the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. It’s the soul of the recipe, offering bold aroma and depth.
- Fresh lemon juice: Balances the butter’s richness with acidity. Always opt for real lemon over bottled—there’s a sharpness and brightness you just can’t fake.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a hint of warmth. Use sparingly for depth without heat overload.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the shrimp and the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (garnish): For color, freshness, and a slight herbal contrast.
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For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Maintains the creamy texture and silky mouthfeel.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Reinforces the garlic profile without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Used to build a light roux, thickening the sauce naturally.
- Seafood or chicken broth (1 cup): Adds umami and depth without heaviness. Seafood broth intensifies the flavor, but chicken broth works just as well.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates a velvety, restaurant-style finish without turning the dish too rich.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Cuts through the cream to keep the flavor balanced and bright.
The sauce relies on the interplay between broth and cream, broth for body and subtle seafood depth, cream for smoothness. Together, they create that signature creamy garlic lemon shrimp flavor that’s both indulgent and nuanced.
How to Make Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce (Step-by-Step Guide)
This dish comes together in one pan and under 30 minutes. Follow these clear steps to avoid overcooked shrimp or broken sauce:
1. Prep the Shrimp
Rinse your peeled shrimp under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Keep the tails on for presentation, or remove if preferred.
2. Sear the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves minced garlic, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant (not browned).
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and just curled.
- Squeeze over 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Don’t overcook. Shrimp should be firm but tender, with a slight spring when touched.
3. Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add 2 cloves garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Gradually add 1 cup broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Reduce heat and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine and Serve
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Whether poured over pasta, spooned onto rice, or served with garlic bread, this shrimp in garlic butter sauce is one-pan perfection, rich, balanced, and ready for the table fast.
Serving Ideas That Complete the Meal
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. If you're searching for easy shrimp dinner ideas that don’t require extra planning or specialty sides, this garlic butter shrimp delivers on every front. Here are simple but thoughtful ways to turn it into a complete, satisfying meal:
Best Pasta Pairings
- Angel hair or capellini: Soaks up every drop of sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
- Linguine: Offers just enough bite and surface area to carry the garlic butter and creamy lemon sauce.
Toss the pasta directly into the pan for a glossy, well-coated finish, no need for an extra pot of sauce.
Starch & Bread Options
- Steamed jasmine or wild rice: Absorbs the sauce beautifully and keeps the meal gluten-free.
- Toasted sourdough or garlic bread: Ideal for scooping up every last bit of sauce straight from the pan.
Vegetable Sides That Work
Balance the richness with lighter, vibrant vegetables:
- Sautéed spinach or garlicky green beans
- Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli
- A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness
Wine Pairing Tips
- Chardonnay: Buttery notes complement the sauce without clashing.
- Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc: Cut through the richness with acidity and citrus-forward profiles.
Whether you’re after comfort food or something dinner-party ready, this dish adapts to the moment with just a few smart pairings.
Pro Cooking Tips for a Flawless Result
Even simple recipes benefit from a few expert touches. Here’s how to elevate your garlic butter shrimp and avoid common pitfalls:
Know When Shrimp Are Done
Shrimp cook fast, and overcooked shrimp turn rubbery in seconds. Look for:
- Color change: They’ll turn opaque with a bright pink hue.
- Shape: A loose “C” means just right. A tight “O” means overcooked.
- Texture: Gently firm but still juicy when pressed.
Cook them in a single layer, undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side, and remove them from the pan promptly to prevent carryover cooking.
Timing Is Everything with Garlic
Garlic burns fast, and bitter garlic ruins the entire dish.
- Always sauté garlic after the butter melts but before adding shrimp.
- In the sauce, give it a 30-second head start before adding flour or broth. This short window brings out aroma without scorching.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice & Parsley to Finish
A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness that balances out the richness of butter and cream.
Chopped fresh parsley doesn't just make the plate look better, it adds a light, herbal note that lifts the entire dish.
These small adjustments make a big difference. Cook with attention, and this quick dinner becomes something worth repeating.
Where to Buy High-Quality Shrimp Online
To make garlic butter shrimp that’s truly unforgettable, the quality of your ingredients, especially the shrimp, has to deliver. That’s why home cooks and seafood lovers alike trust All Fresh Seafood for restaurant-grade, kitchen-ready options.
Our peeled tail-on shrimp come in two sizes to suit any dish:
- 16/20 count – Ideal for easy weeknight recipes
- 8/12 count – Larger, more indulgent pieces perfect for entertaining
Every shrimp is wild-caught or responsibly farmed, peeled, deveined, and flash-frozen to preserve peak texture and taste. And because we ship direct, you get premium seafood without leaving your kitchen.
Final Thoughts: A Seafood Dinner That Feels Special
Garlic butter shrimp hits that rare trifecta, rich, fast, and visually stunning. In just one skillet and under 30 minutes, you get creamy garlic lemon flavor, seared shrimp perfection, and a meal that looks like it came from a high-end restaurant.
Even if you’re new to seafood or still building kitchen confidence, this dish is designed to make you feel like a pro. The steps are simple, the ingredients accessible, and the results speak for themselves.
So whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, let this be your go-to seafood dinner in 20 minutes.
Try it tonight with top-quality, tail-on shrimp from All Fresh Seafood—and taste the difference premium makes.
