Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp

Featured in: Herb-Infused Dishes

This dish features tender shrimp cooked quickly in a rich blend of garlic, butter, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon. The shrimp are first seasoned, then sautéed in olive oil and butter until just opaque, infused with fragrant garlic and subtle heat from optional crushed red pepper. A finishing touch of fresh parsley and lemon juice brightens up the buttery sauce, making it ideal for serving over rice, pasta, or crusty bread. This simple yet elegant meal combines fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying seafood dish.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:12:00 GMT
Succulent garlic herb butter shrimp glistening in a rich sauce, ready to serve. Save
Succulent garlic herb butter shrimp glistening in a rich sauce, ready to serve. | basilhearth.com

Succulent shrimp saut&ed in a rich garlic herb butter sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner or appetizer.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite as it combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight meals.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • Butter & Oil: 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Aromatics & Herbs: 4 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Seasonings: 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2:
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Add minced garlic and saut&e for 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
Step 4:
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until just turning pink.
Step 5:
Flip the shrimp and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 6:
Cook for another 2 3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Step 7:
Remove from heat, toss with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Save
| basilhearth.com

Enjoying this shrimp dish together has created wonderful family memories around the dinner table.

Required Tools

Large skillet, tongs or spatula, knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 230 calories, 14 g total fat, 3 g carbohydrates, 21 g protein

Serving Suggestions

Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Try swapping parsley for basil or dill for a different herb profile.

Delicious garlic herb butter shrimp garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Save
Delicious garlic herb butter shrimp garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices. | basilhearth.com

This garlic herb butter shrimp is both impressive and easy to make, perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

How do you prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until they turn opaque and pink, about 2-3 minutes per side, to keep them tender and juicy.

Can I substitute parsley with another herb?

Yes, basil or dill work well as alternatives and add a different herbaceous flavor to the dish.

What is the best way to serve this shrimp?

Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic herb butter sauce.

Is it necessary to use both olive oil and butter?

Olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds depth, so using both helps achieve a balanced rich flavor.

Can I add a splash of wine to the sauce?

Yes, adding white wine with the lemon juice enhances the sauce with a subtle acidity and complexity.

Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp

Shrimp cooked in garlic, butter, and herbs for a quick, flavorful dinner or appetizer.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Total Duration
20 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Herb-Infused Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Without Gluten, Low Carb

What You'll Need

Seafood

01 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Butter & Oil

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics & Herbs

01 4 cloves garlic, minced
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
03 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
02 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How To Make It

Step 01

Season shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Heat fat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted.

Step 03

Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 04

Cook first side: Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes until they begin turning pink on one side.

Step 05

Flip and flavor: Turn shrimp, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

Step 06

Finish cooking: Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, toss with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with optional lemon wedges.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 230
  • Fat content: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 3 grams
  • Protein Amount: 21 grams