Easiest Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic‑Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon red‑pepper flakes

Seasonings & Garnish

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cooking the Garlic‑Butter Sauce

1. Heat the Pan. Place a large skillet over medium‑high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer—this signals the pan is hot enough to sear without sticking.
2. Sear the Shrimp. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Cook for 1½ minutes on the first side; you’ll see the edges turn opaque. Flip and cook another 1½ minutes until fully pink and just cooked through.
3. Remove and Rest. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and cover loosely with foil. This keeps them warm while you build the sauce, preventing overcooking.
4. Make the Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red‑pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant—watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Finish with Citrus. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of the pan‑dripping oil. Simmer for 1 minute; the sauce should thicken just enough to coat the back of a spoon.