Simple Garlic Shrimp: The Perfect Quick and Delicious Dinner

Have you ever walked through your front door after a long day, completely drained of energy but still craving something delicious and satisfying? I’ve been there too many times to count. On those nights, my go-to savior is this Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe. Within 15 minutes, you can transform a handful of basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The aroma of garlic and butter sizzling in the pan, the tender pink shrimp, and that perfect hint of lemon and herbs create a dish that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or unexpected guests, this Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe is your ticket to an easy yet impressive dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Garlic Shrimp

• ✅ Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for easy Simple Garlic Shrimp weeknight meals
• ✅ Uses just 8 simple ingredients you probably already have for a quick garlic shrimp dinner idea
• ✅ The flavorful garlic butter sauce creates the most delicious Simple Garlic Shrimp for beginners
• ✅ Versatile dish – serve this healthy garlic shrimp meal preparation over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread
• ✅ Learning how to make Simple Garlic Shrimp at home will save you money on restaurant meals

Ingredients for Simple Garlic Shrimp

To make this delicious simple shrimp dish with garlic flavor, gather these ingredients:

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt to taste
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon caper brine
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 4 equal pieces
• ⅓ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
• 1 teaspoon water, as needed

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Shrimp: Medium to large shrimp (16-20 count) work best for this Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe. Fresh is ideal, but thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly too!
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is strongly recommended for the most authentic garlic butter shrimp cooking method. In a pinch, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder, but fresh will give you that incredible aroma.
• Caper Brine: This adds a unique tanginess, but if unavailable, substitute with 1 extra tablespoon of lemon juice plus a pinch of salt.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust according to your spice preference or omit altogether for a milder Simple Garlic Shrimp.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute with olive oil, though you’ll miss some of the richness.

How to Make Simple Garlic Shrimp – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt. Having dry shrimp is crucial for proper searing when making Simple Garlic Shrimp.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. The right temperature is key when learning how to make garlic shrimp at home.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and start to curl. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside. For perfect shrimp sautéed in garlic sauce, be careful not to overcook them.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the same pan. Cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic will ruin your Simple Garlic Shrimp.

Step 5: Add the Liquids

Stir in the lemon juice and caper brine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step adds tremendous flavor to your Simple Garlic Shrimp.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Add the cold butter pieces one at a time, stirring constantly to create a smooth, emulsified sauce. Stir in half of the parsley. If the sauce seems too thick, add a teaspoon of water.

Step 7: Return the Shrimp

Return the shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices. Toss to coat with the sauce and cook for 1 minute to warm through. Your quick garlic shrimp dinner idea is almost ready!

Step 8: Serve

Garnish your Simple Garlic Shrimp with the remaining parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Simple Garlic Shrimp

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding causes steaming rather than searing.
• Watch your timing: The secret to perfect Simple Garlic Shrimp is not overcooking them. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
• Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is cold but not frozen for the perfect garlic butter sauce consistency.
• Prep ahead: Mince your garlic and chop your parsley in advance for a truly easy Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe that comes together quickly.
• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking when the shrimp are tender and the sauce is perfectly emulsified.

Best Ways to Serve Simple Garlic Shrimp

This versatile Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe pairs beautifully with many sides:

• Toss with linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic garlic shrimp with pasta recipe
• Serve over fluffy white rice or risotto to soak up the delicious sauce
• Pair with crusty bread for dipping in the garlic butter sauce
• Add to a mixed green salad for a light but satisfying meal
• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy party snacking

For a complete meal, pair your Simple Garlic Shrimp with roasted asparagus or a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing.

Nutritional Information for Simple Garlic Shrimp

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Sodium: 890mg

This healthy garlic shrimp meal preparation is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a perfect choice for those following keto or low-carb diets.

Storage & Leftovers

While this Simple Garlic Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the shrimp tough.

Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well as the texture of the shrimp changes significantly when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook garlic shrimp?

The actual cooking time for Simple Garlic Shrimp is only about 5-7 minutes total. Shrimp cook extremely quickly – about 1-2 minutes per side depending on their size. The entire recipe, including preparation, can be completed in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for simple garlic shrimp for weeknight meals.

What are the best types of shrimp for garlic shrimp?

Medium to large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best for this Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe. They’re large enough to get a nice sear without overcooking. Both wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp work well, though wild-caught typically has better flavor for a flavorful garlic shrimp for beginners.

Can you use frozen shrimp for garlic shrimp?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is actually ideal for most home cooks making Simple Garlic Shrimp. Most “fresh” shrimp at supermarkets was previously frozen anyway. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander under cold running water for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to pat them completely dry before cooking.

What is a good side dish to serve with garlic shrimp?

For a balanced meal, serve your Simple Garlic Shrimp with a starchy side like pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and a green vegetable like asparagus, broccoli, or a green salad. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice makes an excellent low-carb alternative that still soaks up the flavorful garlic sauce.

Time to Enjoy Your Simple Garlic Shrimp!

This Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe proves that extraordinary flavors don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of quality ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a meal that’s worthy of any special occasion yet simple enough for a Tuesday night.

Whether you’re serving it over pasta, alongside vegetables, or as an appetizer at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and rich butter creates a sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.

I’d love to hear how your Simple Garlic Shrimp turned out! Did you add any special touches or serve it in a unique way? Share your experience in the comments below and don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time you need a quick, delicious meal that feels like a special treat.

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