This 10-minute garlic butter shrimp is one of those recipes that proves great food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s quick, flavourful, and perfect for those moments when you want something impressive without spending ages in the kitchen. Juicy shrimp cooked in butter, garlic, and a hint of lemon come together to create a dish that feels special yet effortless.

I make this recipe when time is short but I still want something homemade and satisfying. It works beautifully as a light main dish, a starter, or even served over rice or pasta for a more filling meal. Simple ingredients, big flavour, and minimal cleanup — exactly how weeknight cooking should be.

“10-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic butter shrimp is fast, flexible, and packed with flavour. The shrimp cook in just a few minutes, soaking up the rich butter and fragrant garlic while staying tender and juicy. A squeeze of lemon at the end keeps the dish fresh and balanced.

You’ll love how versatile this recipe is. It can be served on its own, with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or paired with rice, pasta, or vegetables. It’s also easy to scale up if you’re cooking for guests, making it a reliable go-to for both everyday meals and last-minute entertaining.

Best of all, there’s no complicated prep — everything comes together in one pan, making this recipe perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

• 300g shrimp, peeled

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper (to taste)

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Fresh parsley, chopped

⏱ Prep: 5 min  🔥 Cook: 5 min  🕒 Total: 10 min  🍽 Servings: 2

Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a pan.

2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add shrimp, paprika, salt & pepper. Cook 2 minutes per side.

4. Add lemon juice and parsley, toss to coat, and remove from heat.

Tips

• Add chilli flakes for a spicy kick

• Serve with rice, pasta, or fresh salad

• Use fresh garlic for best flavour

• Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly

Recipe Variations

• Extra flavour: Add a splash of white wine before the shrimp.

• Creamy version: Stir in a tablespoon of cream at the end.

• Spicy kick: Increase chilli flakes or add paprika.

• Herb twist: Try thyme or basil instead of parsley.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. (refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking)

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking. (internal temp 165°F/74°C)

• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat gently if needed.

What can I serve it with?
Rice, pasta, salad, or crusty bread all work perfectly.

Author

Recipe by Mark – home cook and founder of Slice and Serve.
I share quick, comforting recipes made for real life and busy kitchens.
👉 Learn more on the About the Author page.