Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp Skillet

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh lemon wedges for serving The key to this dish is fresh ingredients. I love using large shrimp because they cook evenly and have a great texture. The unsalted butter gives a rich flavor that blends well with the garlic. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add a nice touch and bring brightness to the dish. If you don't have large shrimp, feel free to use medium shrimp. You can also use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them first. If you lack fresh herbs, dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use one-third of the amount when substituting. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil. - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 2g - Fiber: 0g - Sugar: 0g This dish is high in protein and low in carbs, making it a great option for a quick meal. The healthy fats from the butter also help keep you satisfied. Enjoy this dish with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt until bubbly. 2. Once the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. They should smell great, but don't let them burn. 3. Turn the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side. You want them to turn pink. 4. Flip the shrimp over. Sprinkle on 1 tablespoon each of chopped parsley and basil. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if you like heat), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should be fully cooked and opaque. 5. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the shrimp. Stir it all together and let it cook for one more minute. This helps combine all the flavors. 6. Take the skillet off the heat. Serve the shrimp right away, garnished with fresh lemon wedges. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 15 minutes - Cook Time: 5-6 minutes for the shrimp - Use medium heat for melting butter. Use medium-high heat for cooking shrimp. This will give you the best texture and flavor. - Make sure your shrimp are fresh or properly thawed. - Don't overcrowd the skillet. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. - Cook shrimp just until they are pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery. - Adjust the cooking time based on shrimp size. Larger shrimp may need a bit longer. - Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Your dish should balance flavors well. When making Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp, some errors can ruin your dish. 1. Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly. Sauté it just until fragrant. 2. Overcooking the Shrimp: Cook shrimp only until pink. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery. 3. Not Using Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs give the best flavor. Dried herbs will not work as well. To make your shrimp taste even better, try these tips: - Add Fresh Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. It brightens the dish. - Experiment with Herbs: Consider using thyme or dill. They add unique tastes. - Infuse the Butter: Add a pinch of garlic powder to the butter while melting. Using the right tools can make cooking easier and faster. - Large Skillet: A good skillet helps cook the shrimp evenly. - Spatula: Use a spatula for flipping the shrimp carefully. - Zester: A zester makes lemon zesting easy and quick. - Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements help make the dish perfect. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and herbs will give your dish the best flavor. Avoid frozen shrimp if possible for a more vibrant taste. Watch the Garlic: Sauté the garlic until just fragrant to prevent it from burning, which can create a bitter taste in your dish. Perfect Cooking Time: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Enhance the Flavor: Adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving can elevate the dish's flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can mix up the herbs in this dish. Try using thyme or oregano for a twist. You can also add dill for a fresh taste. If you love spicy food, toss in some smoked paprika. Each herb brings its own flavor, making your dish unique. Pair your shrimp with a side of rice or quinoa. Both soak up the garlic herb butter well. You can also serve it with a crisp salad or steamed veggies. These sides balance the rich shrimp and add color to your plate. A crusty bread is great too for dipping in the buttery sauce. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, skip them altogether. You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper for a different kind of heat. Always taste as you go, and adjust to your liking. This way, your dish will fit your spice level perfectly. To keep your Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp fresh, use an airtight container. Place the shrimp in the container and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long. When you want to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Heat for about five minutes, stirring often. This method prevents overcooking and keeps the shrimp tender. If you need to store the shrimp longer, freezing is a good option. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the shrimp safe and tasty. I recommend using large shrimp. They have a nice texture and cook well. You can find them fresh or frozen. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. Look for shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This saves time and makes cooking easier. Yes, you can. However, shrimp taste best when fresh. If you want to prep ahead, cook the shrimp and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving to avoid overcooking. You can also prep the garlic and herbs in advance. This way, you save time when you are ready to cook. Shrimp cook fast. They turn pink and opaque when done. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If they curl into a "C" shape, they are ready. Avoid cooking them too long. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Always watch closely while cooking! This blog post covered the essentials for making garlic herb butter shrimp. We explored the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. Plus, we reviewed ways to store leftovers and answered common questions. Remember, cooking shrimp is simple. Use fresh herbs and adjust spices to your taste. Now, you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp Skillet

A quick and flavorful shrimp dish cooked in garlic herb butter, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
for serving fresh lemon wedges

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until pink.
Flip the shrimp and sprinkle the chopped parsley, basil, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper over the top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp, give it a quick stir, and let it cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with lemon wedges.

Notes

Serve with fresh lemon wedges for added flavor.

Keyword butter, garlic, quick meal, shrimp, skillet