Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Quick and Simple Meal

October 1, 2025 by Hazel

Are you ready for a simple and tasty meal? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is quick to make and packed with flavor. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that impresses your family or friends. Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving something delicious, this recipe fits the bill. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

To make a tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet, you need the following ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

These ingredients create a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.

Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor

You can boost the dish with some optional ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro
A splash of white wine for depth
A pinch of cayenne for extra heat
Grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy touch

These extras can add a unique twist to your shrimp skillet, making it even more special.

Ingredient Substitutions

Not all ingredients are a must. Here are some swaps if you’re missing something:

Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.
Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if desired.
Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with diced bell peppers.
Spinach can be changed to kale or arugula for a different green.

These substitutions let you customize the dish to your taste while keeping it simple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Skillet

First, grab a large skillet. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt until it bubbles. Now, take 4 cloves of garlic and mince them finely. Once the butter is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to smell great but not burn. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mix for 30 seconds. This step adds a nice flavor kick.

Cooking the Shrimp

Now, it’s time for the shrimp. Take 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Add the shrimp to your skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Combining Ingredients for Perfect Flavor

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes until they soften. Next, add 2 cups of baby spinach. Stir and cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Now, return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together to mix well. Cook for 1 more minute to warm everything through. Finally, taste your dish. Adjust any seasoning as needed. Remove it from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it hot, with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to Select the Best Shrimp

When choosing shrimp, look for large, firm ones. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Their shells should be shiny and clean. If you buy frozen shrimp, check for no signs of frost. Frost means they may have been thawed and refrozen. Always go for shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience.

Enhancing the Garlic Butter Flavor

To boost the garlic butter flavor, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a bright taste that dried garlic can’t match. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds zest. You can also toss in some herbs like thyme or basil for extra depth.

Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp

Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them while cooking. Remove them from heat as soon as they are done. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them off the stove.

Variations

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

If you love heat, make a spicy garlic butter shrimp skillet. Add more red pepper flakes for extra kick. You can also use diced jalapeños for fresh heat. This change gives the dish a bold flavor. The shrimp will shine through the spice.

Adding Veggies for More Nutrition

Want to make your meal healthier? Add veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli work well. Chop them up and toss them in with the shrimp. Cook until they soften yet stay crisp. This adds color and nutrients to your dish.

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options

Need gluten-free or low-carb options? Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This change keeps your meal light and flavorful. You can also serve the shrimp on a bed of leafy greens. This makes for a tasty and healthy meal.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp

To store leftover garlic butter shrimp, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh for later. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it sealed well to avoid any strong odors.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat your leftover shrimp, reheat it gently. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam the shrimp. This will keep it moist. Stir often and heat until warm. Avoid using high heat, as this can overcook the shrimp.

Shelf Life and Freezing Instructions

The shelf life of garlic butter shrimp in the fridge is about three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 10 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear better and avoids excess water in the skillet.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet?

You can serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet with:

Cooked rice, for a filling meal
Pasta, to soak up the garlic butter
Crusty bread, to mop up the sauce
A fresh salad, for a light side

Each option adds a unique taste and texture.

How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The spice level depends on how much you add. A half teaspoon gives a mild heat. If you want more spice, add extra red pepper flakes. Always taste as you go. This way, you can adjust to your liking.

You now know how to create a delicious garlic butter shrimp skillet. We discussed key ingredients, helpful tips, and tasty variations. It’s easy to cook shrimp just right and enhance their flavor. Remember to select fresh shrimp for the best taste. Storing and reheating leftovers is simple, too. Try different spices or veggies for fun twists. This dish is quick, tasty, and sure to please. Enjoy making this meal and share it with others!

$To make a tasty Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet, you need the following ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups baby spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients create a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp. You can boost the dish with some optional ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro - A splash of white wine for depth - A pinch of cayenne for extra heat - Grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy touch These extras can add a unique twist to your shrimp skillet, making it even more special. Not all ingredients are a must. Here are some swaps if you're missing something: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. - Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if desired. - Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with diced bell peppers. - Spinach can be changed to kale or arugula for a different green. These substitutions let you customize the dish to your taste while keeping it simple. First, grab a large skillet. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt until it bubbles. Now, take 4 cloves of garlic and mince them finely. Once the butter is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute. You want it to smell great but not burn. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mix for 30 seconds. This step adds a nice flavor kick. Now, it's time for the shrimp. Take 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Add the shrimp to your skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes until they soften. Next, add 2 cups of baby spinach. Stir and cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Now, return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together to mix well. Cook for 1 more minute to warm everything through. Finally, taste your dish. Adjust any seasoning as needed. Remove it from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it hot, with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your meal! When choosing shrimp, look for large, firm ones. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Their shells should be shiny and clean. If you buy frozen shrimp, check for no signs of frost. Frost means they may have been thawed and refrozen. Always go for shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. To boost the garlic butter flavor, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a bright taste that dried garlic can’t match. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds zest. You can also toss in some herbs like thyme or basil for extra depth. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them while cooking. Remove them from heat as soon as they are done. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them off the stove. {{image_2}} If you love heat, make a spicy garlic butter shrimp skillet. Add more red pepper flakes for extra kick. You can also use diced jalapeños for fresh heat. This change gives the dish a bold flavor. The shrimp will shine through the spice. Want to make your meal healthier? Add veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli work well. Chop them up and toss them in with the shrimp. Cook until they soften yet stay crisp. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. Need gluten-free or low-carb options? Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This change keeps your meal light and flavorful. You can also serve the shrimp on a bed of leafy greens. This makes for a tasty and healthy meal. To store leftover garlic butter shrimp, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh for later. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it sealed well to avoid any strong odors. When you're ready to eat your leftover shrimp, reheat it gently. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam the shrimp. This will keep it moist. Stir often and heat until warm. Avoid using high heat, as this can overcook the shrimp. The shelf life of garlic butter shrimp in the fridge is about three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 10 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear better and avoids excess water in the skillet. You can serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet with: - Cooked rice, for a filling meal - Pasta, to soak up the garlic butter - Crusty bread, to mop up the sauce - A fresh salad, for a light side Each option adds a unique taste and texture. The spice level depends on how much you add. A half teaspoon gives a mild heat. If you want more spice, add extra red pepper flakes. Always taste as you go. This way, you can adjust to your liking. You now know how to create a delicious garlic butter shrimp skillet. We discussed key ingredients, helpful tips, and tasty variations. It's easy to cook shrimp just right and enhance their flavor. Remember to select fresh shrimp for the best taste. Storing and reheating leftovers is simple, too. Try different spices or veggies for fun twists. This dish is quick, tasty, and sure to please. Enjoy making this meal and share it with others!$