Garlic Butter Shrimp – Easy Weeknight Coastal Style
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
- 2 tbsp chicken broth or dry white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1½ to 2 minutes per side until pink and curled into a C shape. Work in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about 60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add lemon juice and broth or wine. Let it bubble for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Return shrimp to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce, and heat for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat, top with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking – this single step is the difference between a golden sear and watery, steamed shrimp. Don't skip it.