Garlic Butter shrimp! Your new favorite way to eat shrimp
Garlic Butter shrimp! Your new favorite way to eat shrimp! is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Eatwitzo on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 27 min
Cost: $18.28 total, $9.14 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Raw Shrimp, peeled and tail‑on (deveined, shells removed except tails for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (adds subtle sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (provides smoky depth)
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin (warm earthiness)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt (seasoning)
- ¼ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (adds bite)
- 6 pieces Garlic Cloves (finely minced)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small cubes for quick melting)
- 1 tablespoon Neutral Cooking Oil (e.g., canola or vegetable) (prevents butter from burning)
- ¼ cup Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (used to deglaze the pan)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (adds brightness)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Season and Marinate Shrimp
Place the raw shrimp in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let the shrimp sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Garlic
While the shrimp marinates, peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Set aside in a small bowl.
Time: PT3M
Heat Pan and Sauté Garlic
Add the neutral oil and half of the butter (1½ tbsp) to the large skillet over medium‑high heat. Once the butter foams, add the minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Cook Shrimp
Add the marinated shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate and keep warm.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Deglaze and Finish Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the same pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the fresh lemon juice and the remaining butter (1½ tbsp). Stir until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Combine and Garnish
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat them in the buttery lemon sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, give a final quick stir, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free, Low‑Carb
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Raw Shrimp, peeled and tail‑on: Large Raw Scallops, Firm White Fish (e.g., cod) cut into bite‑size pieces
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced fresh onion (1 tablespoon)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular sweet paprika, Chipotle powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Coriander powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Table salt (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Freshly Ground Black Pepper: White pepper (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Ghee (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Neutral Cooking Oil (e.g., canola or vegetable): Olive oil (½ tbsp)
- Instead of Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth: Seafood broth, Water with a pinch of salt
- Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice: Lime juice (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro (2 tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Tongs or Spatula
- Citrus Juicer (optional) (optional)
- Small Bowl for Garlic (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinating the shrimp for at least 10 minutes to develop flavor
- Ensuring garlic does not burn during the initial sauté
- Cooking shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture
- Deglazing the pan quickly to capture all flavor bits
Chef Tips from the Video
- Leaving the tails on adds visual appeal and traps a bit of the buttery sauce.
- For extra zing, zest a little lemon peel into the final sauce.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red‑pepper flakes with the spices.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp turn rubbery or tough
Do not overcook; shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C‑shape. Remove from heat immediately.
Sauce is too thin
Increase heat slightly and reduce for an additional minute, or add a splash more butter to emulsify.
Garlic burns and tastes bitter
Lower the heat and add garlic after the butter has melted, stirring constantly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of shrimp deteriorates when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the shrimp up to 30 minutes ahead of time and keep refrigerated.
- Mince garlic and chop parsley in advance; store in airtight containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of garlic butter shrimp in American cuisine?
Garlic butter shrimp reflects the American love for quick, flavorful seafood dishes that blend classic butter‑based sauces with bold aromatics like garlic and lemon. It became popular in coastal regions where shrimp is abundant and has been embraced as a fast‑weeknight staple across the United States.
How does garlic butter shrimp fit into the broader American seafood tradition?
It exemplifies the American tendency to simplify seafood preparation—using pantry staples such as butter, garlic, and lemon—to create a dish that’s both elegant and accessible, often served alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
What regional variations of garlic butter shrimp exist within the United States?
In the Gulf Coast, cooks often add Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce. In the Pacific Northwest, they may incorporate fresh herbs like dill or tarragon. Some Southern versions include a touch of honey for a sweet‑savory balance.
What occasions or celebrations is garlic butter shrimp traditionally associated with in American culture?
It’s a popular choice for casual gatherings, summer barbecues, and quick weeknight dinners. Because it cooks in under 15 minutes, it’s also a go‑to dish for holiday prep when time is limited.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for garlic butter shrimp, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include raw shrimp, unsalted butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a light seasoning of salt and pepper. Acceptable substitutes are ghee for butter, chicken broth for deglazing, and parsley or cilantro for garnish.
What other American dishes pair well with garlic butter shrimp?
Serve it alongside creamy grits, buttery corn on the cob, a simple mixed green salad, or over a bed of linguine tossed in olive oil. It also works beautifully as a topping for tacos with cabbage slaw.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic butter shrimp?
Overcooking the shrimp, burning the garlic, and using too much liquid when deglazing are the biggest pitfalls. Follow the short cooking times and keep the heat at medium‑high to achieve a perfect texture and flavor.
Why does this garlic butter shrimp recipe use chicken broth for deglazing instead of white wine?
Chicken broth adds savory depth without the acidity of wine, keeping the sauce buttery and smooth while still lifting the browned bits from the pan. It also makes the recipe accessible for those who don’t keep wine on hand.
Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can marinate the shrimp up to 30 minutes in advance and keep it refrigerated. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet to retain moisture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when cooking garlic butter shrimp?
The shrimp should turn a vibrant pink‑orange, curl into a loose “C” shape, and have a glossy coating from the butter‑lemon sauce. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned, and the sauce should be slightly thickened, clinging to the shrimp.
What does the YouTube channel Eatwitzo specialize in?
The YouTube channel Eatwitzo focuses on quick, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that emphasize flavorful, one‑pan meals and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Eatwitzo's approach to American seafood cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Eatwitzo emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, short prep times, and versatile dishes that can be adapted to whatever is on hand, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients. This makes Eatwitzo’s seafood recipes especially approachable for novice home chefs.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
