Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
In short: Large shrimp seared in a hot skillet with plenty of garlic, butter, lemon and parsley. Ready in 15 minutes and made for spooning over rice or bread. It takes about 16 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 6 min
- Total
- 16 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 270 kcal
Shrimp cook so fast that the only real skill is not overcooking them. Here they go into a very hot pan in a single layer, take about 2 to 3 minutes in total, and finish in a quick garlic and lemon butter. The sauce matters as much as the shrimp, so serve it with rice, pasta or crusty bread to soak it up. Keep everything chopped and ready before the pan goes on.
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. Toss them with the salt, pepper and smoked paprika.
- Heat the oil in a large 30 cm (12 inch) skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the shrimp in a single layer, working in two batches if needed so they do not crowd.
- Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes without stirring, until pink and lightly golden underneath. Flip and cook 1 minute more. Move the shrimp to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. When it melts, add the garlic and chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Return the shrimp to the pan with any juices. Add the lemon juice and zest and toss for 30 seconds. The shrimp are done when they are opaque, curled into a loose C shape and 63°C (145°F) inside.
- Scatter with parsley and serve right away from the pan, with rice, pasta or crusty bread.
Tips
- Buy shell-on shrimp if you can. Simmer the shells in water for 10 minutes to make a quick stock for rice or soup.
- Large shrimp (21 to 25 per 500 g) work best. Smaller ones cook in under a minute, so cut each side to 45 seconds.
Questions and answers
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
They turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose C shape. A tight, closed O means they are overcooked and will be rubbery.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them in a bowl of cold water for 15 to 20 minutes, or overnight in the fridge, then pat them very dry.
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
Steamed rice, buttered pasta, mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up the sauce. A green salad or steamed broccoli completes the plate.
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet?
About 16 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 6 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet?
About 270 kcal per serving, with 26 g of protein, 3 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 270 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
