Sizzling Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe for Tonight

My culinary adventure with jumbo shrimp in butter garlic sauce started on a cozy evening in Naples.

Memories of coastal dining sparked an irresistible craving for seafood elegance.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this simple yet luxurious dish that speaks volumes about elegant simplicity.

Delicate oceanic flavors mingle with rich, velvety butter and aromatic garlic notes.

Each succulent shrimp promises a burst of maritime freshness and comfort.

Succulent seafood lovers will adore how quickly this recipe comes together.

You can transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in minutes.

Let’s unlock the magic of this classic Mediterranean-inspired delicacy that promises to impress.

Why Jumbo Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce Feels Like a Treat

• A hassle-free recipe that transforms simple shrimp into a gourmet meal in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality dishes.
• Minimal ingredients and lightning-fast preparation make this dish ideal for spontaneous weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining without complicated techniques.
• Buttery, garlicky sauce with tender shrimp creates an universally appealing meal that satisfies both kids and adults, making it a reliable family favorite that adapts to different tastes and preferences.
• Flexible dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, allowing easy customization based on what's available in your kitchen and personal cravings.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp That Pops

• Jumbo Shrimp: Sweet seafood that forms the star of the dish, best when fresh and deveined with tail on for extra flavor and presentation.

• Butter, Garlic: Rich base that creates a luxurious sauce with deep, aromatic notes. Choose unsalted butter for better sauce control.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance shrimp's natural taste. Use freshly ground black pepper for more robust flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick that adds warmth to the dish. Adjust quantity based on heat preference.

• Chicken Broth, White Wine: Provides liquid base and depth to the sauce. White wine offers a more complex flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy element that cuts through richness and adds freshness. Fresh lemons yield the best flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds color and mild herbal note. Freshly chopped creates the best visual and flavor impact.

How to Sauté Jumbo Shrimp in Rich Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Seafood Stars

Grab fresh jumbo shrimp and gently dry them with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the shrimp, creating a simple flavor foundation.

Step 2: Unleash Garlic Magic

Heat a skillet and melt butter until it transforms into a golden pool. Toss in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Stir and dance the ingredients for 1-2 minutes, releasing an aromatic heaven that fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Shrimp Dancing Time

• Right side: 2-3 minutes
• Flip side: 2-3 minutes

Watch for that beautiful pink transformation and opaque texture.

Step 4: Sauce Symphony

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest (optional)

Swirl and blend ingredients, allowing the sauce to gently thicken for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish

• Pasta
• Rice
• Crusty bread for dipping

Cooking Tips for Tender, Juicy Shrimp

• Pat Dry Perfectly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from shrimp, ensuring a crispy exterior and better seasoning absorption.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic on medium heat and watch carefully to avoid browning, which can make it bitter and unpleasant.
• Check Shrimp Doneness: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, typically 2-3 minutes per side, to maintain tender and juicy texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to create a richer sauce that complements the buttery garlic base.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from a mild hint to a spicy kick.

Best Storage and Reheat Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain best quality and food safety.
• Warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or butter to prevent drying. Heat just until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwaving can make shrimp rubbery and tough. If using a microwave, heat in short 15-second intervals and check texture to prevent overcooking.
• Enjoy reheated shrimp immediately after warming. Discard any leftovers that smell off or have been stored longer than 2 days for optimal freshness and safety.

What Complements This Shrimp Dish Beautifully

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the buttery garlic shrimp, cutting through the richness while enhancing the seafood's delicate flavors.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, transforming each bite into a luxurious experience.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy contrast against the rich, buttery shrimp, creating a harmonious plate.
• Cook jasmine or basmati rice with fresh herbs like parsley and chives, offering a fragrant base that absorbs the garlic butter sauce while adding subtle complexity to the dish.

New Flavors to Try with Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta or rice with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version that keeps the rich garlic butter flavor intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil, maintaining the sauce's richness while accommodating dairy sensitivities.
• Spicy Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or white fish for a different protein profile, keeping the same garlic butter sauce technique.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of dried oregano to transform the dish with Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs About Making Butter Garlic Jumbo Shrimp

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for a pink color and opaque texture. The shrimp should curl slightly and take about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid cooking longer, or they’ll become tough and rubbery.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley?

No problem! You can use dried parsley, chives, or skip the herb garnish entirely. The dish will still taste delicious with the garlic butter sauce.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder version. Control the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent jumbo shrimp in butter garlic sauce dance with rich Mediterranean flavors, promising an elegant dining experience. Creamy garlic butter embraces plump shrimp, delivering a luxurious meal that whisks you straight to coastal paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Jumbo Shrimp:

• 1 lb (454 grams) jumbo shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined

Butter and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked pasta
• Rice
• Crusty bread
• Extra lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry the jumbo shrimp with clean kitchen towels, then generously season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
2. Activate a large skillet over medium heat, gently melt the butter until it becomes silky and starts to shimmer, creating a luxurious base for cooking.
3. Introduce minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes into the melted butter, allowing the aromatics to dance and release their fragrant essence without browning, which would create bitterness.
4. Carefully arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer across the skillet, providing each piece ample space to caramelize and develop a delicate golden exterior.
5. Rotate the shrimp after approximately 2 minutes, watching for a beautiful pink transformation and translucent texture that signals perfect doneness, being cautious not to overcook.
6. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine, creating a dynamic liquid environment that will elevate the dish’s flavor profile and help develop a light, elegant sauce.
7. Enhance the sauce with fresh lemon juice and optional lemon zest, stirring gently to incorporate and allow the liquid to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
8. Finish the dish by scattering fresh parsley across the glistening shrimp, providing a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
9. Transfer the jumbo shrimp immediately to warm plates, accompanied by pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delectable buttery garlic sauce.

Notes

• Choose jumbo or large shrimp for the most succulent and impressive presentation of this buttery dish.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent watery sauce.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching for color change from translucent to opaque pink, which takes only 2-3 minutes per side.
• Swap ingredients for dietary needs: use ghee for dairy-free, vegetable broth for lighter flavor, and gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg