Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lb (680 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chicken or seafood broth, optional
  • 1 teaspoon honey, optional, for a slight sweetness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp
    Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat the pan
    Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter.
  3. Cook the shrimp
    Once hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1½–2 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Avoid overcooking. Transfer them to a plate.
  4. Make the garlic butter sauce
    Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Add flavor
    Stir in the red pepper flakes and optional broth. Simmer for about 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and honey if using.
  6. Return the shrimp
    Place the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss gently so every shrimp is coated in the buttery garlic sauce. Cook for another 30 seconds.
  7. Finish
    Turn off the heat and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, lemon, or chili flakes.

Serving

Serve immediately with crusty bread, white rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Spoon plenty of the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp before serving.

Cooking Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: About 18 minutes
Servings: 4

Tips

  • Patting the shrimp dry helps them brown beautifully instead of steaming.
  • Cook shrimp just until opaque and firm; overcooking can make them rubbery.
  • For extra garlic flavor, add a little fresh minced garlic at the very end.
  • For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter.
  • Fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the butter and garlic.

Conclusion

This garlic butter shrimp recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in just minutes. Juicy shrimp are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with lemon, herbs, and a touch of chili for the perfect balance of savory, buttery, fresh, and spicy flavors. Serve it with rice, pasta, vegetables, or crusty bread for an easy and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

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