Romantic Garlic Butter Shrimp

Name: Romantic Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely adore cooking for special occasions, and this Romantic Garlic Butter Shrimp has become a go-to dish in my repertoire. Each time I prepare it, the aroma of garlic and butter fills the kitchen, creating an enticing atmosphere that instantly sets the mood. The succulent shrimp, perfectly coated in a luscious sauce, makes for a delightful meal that's not only easy to prepare but also impressively elegant. It’s a feast for the senses that never fails to impress my guests or my loved ones.

Created by

Jocelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:46:14.017Z

When I first discovered this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity and remarkable flavor. I remember hosting a dinner party and deciding to prepare this shrimp dish as the main course. Everyone was raving about the rich garlic butter sauce, and it paired beautifully with a crisp white wine. It truly elevated the evening.

One of my favorite tips for ensuring the shrimp cooks perfectly is to allow them to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. This way, they cook evenly and develop that incredible tenderness. Plus, the addition of fresh parsley at the end really brightens the dish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich garlic flavor balanced by creamy butter
Perfectly tender shrimp cooked to perfection
An elegant yet easy dish for a romantic dinner

      

Mastering the Garlic Butter

The beauty of this Romantic Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe lies in the garlic butter sauce itself. Start by melting the butter over medium heat, allowing it to coat the skillet evenly. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, usually about 1 minute. Keep a close eye on it—garlic can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste that can ruin your dish. A gentle sauté is key to achieving that perfect golden color and rich aroma.

To balance the richness of the butter, fresh lemon juice adds a vibrant flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully. After cooking, the lemon juice not only cuts through the fat but also brightens the overall dish. Look for bright, juicy lemons to achieve the best results. A good tip is to roll the lemon on the countertop before cutting it; this helps release more juice, allowing you to extract maximum flavor for your sauce.

Choosing and Cooking the Shrimp

Using large shrimp is essential for this recipe, as they provide a satisfying bite and stand up well to the bold flavors of garlic and butter. Aim for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sheen, indicating they are fresh. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the pan, which can prevent that perfect sear and lead to a soggy texture.

Cooking timing is crucial to achieving perfectly tender shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and unpleasant. Generally, you'll want to cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Pay attention to their color: they should turn from gray to a lovely opaque pink as they cook. Remove the shrimp from the heat as soon as they reach this stage to prevent overcooking, ensuring a succulent texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the best results!

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure everything is prepped and ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp!

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and pink.

Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, ensuring the shrimp are well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another minute before serving.

Enjoy your delicious shrimp with a side of pasta or crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Pair it with a side salad and a glass of chilled white wine for the ultimate dining experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, cook the shrimp and garlic butter sauce as directed but stop just before adding the lemon juice and parsley. Let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp in a skillet, add the lemon juice and parsley, and warm gently until heated through, usually another minute on medium-low heat.

Leftover shrimp can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, but it's important to store them in a well-sealed container to maintain flavor and texture. When reheating, do so on low heat to ensure they don’t become tough or chewy.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside a fresh garden salad. The complementary textures and flavors elevate the dish, making it perfect for a romantic dinner. A drizzle of the garlic butter sauce over the serving plate can also create an appealing visual effect, drawing attention to the gorgeous shrimp and enhancing the dining experience.

Pair your Romantic Garlic Butter Shrimp with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Pinot Grigio. The lightness of the wine enhances the flavors of the dish, making each bite even more enjoyable. Additionally, serving warm, crusty bread on the side allows your guests to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, turning this dish into a cozy intimate feast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure they are thoroughly thawed before cooking.

→ What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they are pink and opaque. They typically take about 2-3 minutes per side.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the shrimp just before serving.