Spread the love

15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Okay, picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re starving, and the clock is your enemy. Enter my magic 15-minute garlic butter shrimp skillet! This isn’t just any quick dinner— it’s like a flavor bomb exploding with garlicky, buttery goodness that hits all the right notes. The shrimp turn pink and juicy in a flash, and the kitchen fills with the most irresistible smell of melted butter and garlic. Seriously, it’s so simple that even if you’ve never cooked shrimp before, you’ll nail it every time. Buckle up, because this skillet is going to rock your weeknight meals and might just become your new go-to. Ready to dive in? Let’s do this!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of ½ lemon

How I Make It

Step 1:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and sizzling, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch out, garlic burns fast!

Step 2:

Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes without stirring, so they get a nice sear on one side.

Step 3:

Flip the shrimp over, then add the remaining butter along with the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook another 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 4:

Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze over the lemon juice. Toss everything well so the flavors meld together.

Step 5:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 6:

Serve immediately, preferably with some crusty bread to mop up the garlicky butter or over pasta or rice for a quick meal.

Variations & Tips

Swap smoked paprika for Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood flavor.
Add a splash of white wine right after flipping the shrimp for extra depth.
For a creamy twist, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream at the end.
If shrimp is frozen, thaw completely and pat dry first to prevent sogginess.
Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.

How I Like to Serve It

This garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with a simple green salad when you want something light but satisfying. When company’s over, I pile it on top of linguine and sprinkle with Parmesan for an easy dinner wow-factor. And don’t forget crusty bread—it’s perfect for dipping in all that buttery, garlicky sauce.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid rubbery shrimp.
For a gluten-free meal, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Closing: This shrimp skillet is one of those effortless dishes that delivers big on flavor, making it a trusty weeknight winner every single time.