Go Back
–+ servings
Delicious spicy garlic butter shrimp served on a plate with herbs and spices

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

A quick and flavorful dish that features juicy shrimp seared with garlic and chili, finished with cold butter and lemon for a silky sauce, ready in under 15 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Shrimp and seasonings
  • 200 g large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined If using smaller shrimp, reduce sear times.
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves) Mince the garlic and chop herbs beforehand to prevent burning.
  • 1/4 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 tsp paprika powder Smoked paprika adds depth.
  • 1 tsp red chilli flakes Reduce to 1/2 tsp for milder heat.
Finishing touches
  • 1 tbsp cold butter Omit for dairy-free version; use extra olive oil instead.
  • 1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed Can swap lemon for lime.
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp parsley or cilantro, finely chopped Fresh herbs enhance flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If frozen, thaw shrimp in cold water and pat them completely dry. Remove the vein if needed.
  2. In a small bowl mix salt, black pepper, paprika, and red chilli flakes. Sprinkle the mix over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley or cilantro. Have them ready.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high until hot but not smoking. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  2. Arrange shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Let them sear undisturbed for 1 minute.
  3. Flip the shrimp. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and the minced garlic. Stir for 30 to 45 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the shrimp and continue cooking just until they turn opaque and curl slightly, about 30 to 60 seconds.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cold butter and lemon juice, then gently toss to create a glossy sauce.
  6. Stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Notes

Best served over rice, pasta, or in tacos. Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For reheating, warm gently on low heat to prevent rubberiness. Can freeze raw seasoned shrimp; thaw before cooking.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!