Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe (Buttered Shrimp)

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe (Buttered Shrimp) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 425 calories per serving. Recipe by Break the Spice on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $15.11 total, $3.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Shrimp (peeled, deveined, jumbo size; thaw if frozen)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for initial melt)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Thyme (fresh leaves removed after infusing)
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (added after shrimp are cooked)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic (fresh garlic, minced)
  • 2 tbsp Parsley (fresh, finely chopped)
  • 0.5 Lemon (juice of half a lemon)
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or chili powder for milder heat)
  • 150 g Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into small pieces for emulsifying)
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Season shrimp

    Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl, sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt over them, toss to coat evenly, and let sit for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Prepare aromatics

    Finely mince 1 tbsp garlic, finely chop the parsley, and juice half a lemon. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Infuse oil with thyme

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter together with 1 tbsp olive oil, add the thyme sprig and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  4. Sauté shrimp

    Add the salted shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  5. Add butter and garlic

    Remove the thyme sprig, add 1 tbsp butter. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: low

  6. Add heat and lemon

    Stir in 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, then pour in the lemon juice. Reduce the sauce for 1 minute, stirring gently.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low

  7. Emulsify cold butter

    Turn off the heat. Gradually whisk in the cold butter pieces, a few at a time, allowing the residual heat to melt them and create a smooth sauce.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Season and garnish

    Stir in 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and fold in the chopped parsley.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Plate and serve

    Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, pour the butter‑garlic sauce over them or serve on the side. Pair with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
425
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto-friendly, Paleo-friendly

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe (Buttered Shrimp)

Recipe by Break the Spice

A quick, buttery, garlicky shrimp dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Seasoned with lemon, thyme, cayenne and a silky cold‑butter sauce, it’s perfect served over rice, pasta or with crusty bread.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
6m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
41m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.11
Total cost
$3.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season shrimp and let rest (Step 1)
  • Infuse oil with thyme (Step 3)
  • Sauté shrimp until just cooked (Step 4)
  • Emulsify cold butter off the heat (Step 7)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw shrimp with clean hands and separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot butter can splatter; keep a safe distance and use a splatter guard if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Garlic Butter Shrimp in American cuisine?

A

Garlic butter shrimp is a modern American comfort dish that blends classic French butter‑sauce techniques with the quick‑cook nature of shrimp, making it popular in home kitchens and casual dining.

cultural
Q

How does Garlic Butter Shrimp fit into the broader seafood tradition of the United States?

A

It reflects the American love for fast, flavorful seafood dishes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, often served with bread, pasta, or rice as a hearty main course.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of garlic butter shrimp exist within American cooking?

A

In the Gulf Coast, the dish may feature Cajun spices; in the Pacific Northwest, fresh herbs like dill replace parsley; and in Southern cuisine, a touch of hot sauce is common.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Garlic Butter Shrimp traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

It’s a popular choice for quick weeknight meals, casual gatherings, and holiday buffets where a rich, buttery seafood option is desired without extensive preparation.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Garlic Butter Shrimp versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh shrimp, unsalted butter, garlic, lemon, and thyme. Acceptable substitutes are ghee for butter, lime for lemon, and dried thyme if fresh isn’t available.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Shrimp?

A

It pairs beautifully with creamy risotto, buttery pasta like linguine al limone, or a simple side of roasted vegetables and crusty sourdough bread.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Butter Shrimp?

A

Overcooking the shrimp, letting the butter sauce boil, and adding warm butter instead of cold butter are the biggest pitfalls that can lead to rubbery shrimp or a broken sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe add cold butter off the heat instead of melting it directly?

A

Adding cold butter off the flame allows the residual heat to gently melt the butter, creating a smooth emulsion that stays glossy and prevents the sauce from separating.

technical
Q

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can season the shrimp ahead and keep it refrigerated. The sauce can be made in advance, kept warm, and finished with cold butter just before serving; store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Break the Spice specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Break the Spice focuses on quick, easy-to-follow recipes that highlight bold flavors from around the world, often using simple pantry staples and minimal equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Break the Spice's approach to cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Break the Spice emphasizes speed and accessibility, delivering full‑flavored dishes in under 30 minutes with clear visual cues, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate techniques or longer, multi‑step preparations.

channel

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