Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp—a dish that brings the bold aroma of sizzling garlic, the warmth of rich butter, and the fiery kick of chili right to your plate. This recipe is all about celebration: the succulent, juicy shrimp soak up every drop of the buttery, spicy sauce, making every mouthful pure bliss. Whether you’re serving it as a centerpiece for an intimate dinner or as a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer, Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is guaranteed to impress—and it comes together in just minutes. Let’s dive into the magic of this irresistible seafood classic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is refreshingly simple, letting the flavors shine through in every bite. Each element here not only infuses the dish with its own unique character but also helps achieve that perfect balance of heat, zest, and richness.

• Shrimp (200g/0.5 lb, large or jumbo): The star of the show—use fresh or well-thawed frozen shrimp for the juiciest result.
• Minced Garlic (1 tbsp): Essential for that punchy, aromatic flavor that defines the dish.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Brings all the flavors together and seasons the shrimp perfectly.
• Black Pepper Powder (1/4 tsp): Adds mild earthy heat that pairs beautifully with garlic and chili.
• Paprika Powder (1 tsp, sweet or smoked): Gives a lovely color and a gentle smoky undertone.
• Red Chilli Flakes (1 tsp): For that irresistible fiery finish—adjust to your spice preference!
• Butter (1 tbsp, cold; salted or unsalted): Creates that rich, velvety sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
• Lemon Juice (1 tsp): Adds brightness to cut through the richness and ties all the flavors together.
• Olive Oil (3 tbsp): Helps get that gorgeous sear and forms the base for the sauce.
• Parsley/Cilantro/Coriander (2 tbsp, chopped): For a pop of freshness and color at the end.

How to Make Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by making sure your shrimp are ready for action! If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely. Remove shells and devein as needed, then rinse and gently pat dry with paper towels—this is crucial because any moisture left on the shrimp can cause splattering when they hit the hot pan. Dry shrimp also sear up beautifully.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

In a mixing bowl, toss your shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika powder. Give them a gentle massage so every piece is coated with the seasoning. Let the shrimp rest and marinate for 30 minutes. This is when all those flavors start to meld and infuse the shrimp, taking Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp from good to unforgettable.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Crank up your stovetop to high heat and pour the olive oil into a wide skillet. Once it’s nice and shimmering, carefully lay the shrimp in a single layer—do it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for about a minute until the shrimp turn pink and start to curl, but don’t cook them all the way through yet. Set the seared shrimp aside on a plate. This quick cook is what keeps them juicy, not rubbery, in the final dish.

Step 4: Make the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Turn the heat down to low. Toss in the minced garlic and let it gently sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until wonderfully fragrant and golden (not burnt!). Next, stir in the red chili flakes and sauté for another 30 seconds. The kitchen should smell amazing by now! Drop in the cold butter, swirling until it’s completely melted and starts to form a luscious sauce with all the garlicky, spicy goodness.

Step 5: Finish and Toss Everything Together

Add the lemon juice for a pop of brightness, then return all the seared shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together for another minute, making sure the shrimp are glossy and fully cooked. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finish by showering with chopped parsley, cilantro, or coriander. Now your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or coriander brings color and brightness right before serving. If you want to get fancy, a pinch of extra red chili flakes or a few lemon wedges on the side can add that extra-special touch for presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp piled high with warm, crusty bread—that’s non-negotiable, in my book, for mopping up every last drop of buttery sauce. It’s also a fantastic pairing with fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or garlicky mashed potatoes. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a crisp green salad balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching appetizer, skewer the cooked shrimp and pile them on a platter with dipping sauce. Or serve atop creamy polenta, grits, or a bed of sautéed spinach for a main course that wows. You can even tuck the shrimp and sauce into warm tortillas for spicy shrimp tacos—Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp night just got an upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp, make sure they’ve fully cooled before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge, where they’ll stay happy and tasty for up to 2 days.

Freezing

While freshly cooked is always best, you can freeze cooked shrimp in their sauce if you really need to. Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out excess air. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, knowing the texture might change slightly.

Reheating

To bring Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp back to life, gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce, and heat just until warmed through—avoid the microwave, if possible, so the shrimp don’t overcook and turn rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Smaller shrimp work just as well, though they’ll cook a bit faster. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so they stay juicy and tender in your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s got a real kick, thanks to the chili flakes and paprika, but you have full control! Start with less chili, then add more to taste if you’re sensitive to spice or serving kids.

What type of paprika should I use?

Both sweet and smoked paprika are delicious—you’ll get a slightly smoky undertone with the smoked variety. Try both and see which you prefer in your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp!

Do I need to marinate the shrimp?

Marinating is what helps those flavors penetrate the shrimp and makes every bite more delicious. If you’re short on time, even 10–15 minutes will do, but the full 30 minutes is absolutely worth it.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative or add a bit more olive oil. The dish will still be full of bold, garlicky flavor—butter just adds some extra richness.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing like the sizzling aroma and bold flavor of Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp—this one’s a real keeper! Once you’ve tasted that buttery, garlicky sauce, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again. Give this recipe a try and let it add a little spice (and a lot of joy) to your next meal.

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