Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 750 calories per serving. Recipe by Evolving Table on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 23 min
Cost: $13.33 total, $3.33 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off per preference)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided, room temperature)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Lemon (juiced and zest grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (preferably kosher)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Pat Dry Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Time: PT2M
Season Shrimp
Place shrimp in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
Time: PT1M
Melt Initial Butter
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and foam.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Cook Shrimp First Side
Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2‑3 minutes without moving them.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Flip and Cook Other Side
Turn the shrimp over with tongs and cook another 2‑3 minutes until opaque and just cooked through.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Remaining Butter and Garlic
Push shrimp to the side of the pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Finish with Lemon
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp, add the lemon zest, and give everything a quick toss to coat.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Transfer the garlic butter shrimp to a serving plate and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 750
- Protein
- 20g per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 2g per serving
- Fat
- 12g per serving
- Fiber
- 0g per serving
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Shrimp: Peeled cooked shrimp (reduce cooking time)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (different flavor)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste, Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Lemon: Lime juice and zest
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Garlic Press (optional)
- Microplane Zester (optional)
- Measuring Spoons
- Plate
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; watch for opaque flesh.
- Add garlic after shrimp are cooked to avoid burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use clarified butter or a mix of butter and olive oil for a higher smoke point.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp are rubbery.
Reduce cooking time; shrimp should turn pink and opaque, not firm. Cook over medium‑high heat and flip as soon as the first side is done.
Garlic is burnt and bitter.
Add garlic after the shrimp are cooked and the pan is not smoking hot. Sauté just until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of shrimp deteriorates.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; can sit out for up to 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Peel and devein shrimp a day ahead; keep them refrigerated in a sealed bag.
- Mince garlic and zest lemon in advance; store in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of garlic butter shrimp in American cuisine?
Garlic butter shrimp is a staple of American coastal cooking, especially in the South where butter‑based sauces are common. It reflects the influence of French technique (butter sauté) blended with the abundance of fresh seafood along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
How is garlic butter shrimp traditionally served in the Southern United States?
In the Southern United States, garlic butter shrimp is often served over rice, tossed with pasta, or presented as a sizzling appetizer with crusty bread for sopping up the buttery sauce.
What occasions or celebrations is garlic butter shrimp traditionally associated with in American cuisine?
Garlic butter shrimp is popular at casual gatherings, summer barbecues, and seafood festivals. Its quick preparation makes it a favorite for weeknight meals and holiday brunches.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for garlic butter shrimp versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses large shrimp, unsalted butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Acceptable substitutes include clarified butter or olive oil for a lighter flavor, garlic powder for convenience, and lime instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
What other American dishes pair well with garlic butter shrimp?
Garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, crusty French bread, or a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
What makes garlic butter shrimp special or unique in American seafood cuisine?
The dish highlights the simplicity of butter as a flavor carrier, allowing the natural sweetness of shrimp to shine while the garlic and lemon add bright, aromatic notes. Its quick cooking time preserves the shrimp’s tender texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic butter shrimp?
Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery, and burning the garlic, which adds bitterness. Also, using too much butter can cause smoking; keep the heat at medium‑high and watch closely.
Why does this garlic butter shrimp recipe use butter instead of oil for sautéing?
Butter provides a rich, creamy mouthfeel and carries the garlic and lemon flavors more fully than oil. The recipe adds butter in stages to prevent burning while still delivering that classic buttery taste.
Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little extra butter to restore the sauce’s sheen.
What does the YouTube channel Evolving Table specialize in?
The YouTube channel Evolving Table focuses on modern, approachable home cooking with an emphasis on simple techniques, seasonal ingredients, and dishes that evolve from classic comfort foods into refined meals.
How does the YouTube channel Evolving Table's approach to American seafood cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Evolving Table highlights the balance between flavor and health, often using minimal ingredients and quick methods. Their seafood videos, like this garlic butter shrimp, prioritize freshness and technique over heavy sauces, setting them apart from channels that rely on complex marinades.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
