Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauteed Shrimp: A Quick & Flavorful Skillet Recipe
Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly juicy and plump sautéed shrimp, perfectly seasoned and generously coated in a luxurious garlic butter and parmesan sauce. This recipe is not just quick and easy to prepare, but it also delivers exceptionally tender and flavorful results every single time, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Why This Garlic Butter Sauteed Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try
This garlic butter parmesan sautéed shrimp recipe stands out for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its speed is unmatched; you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on your table in under 15 minutes, rivaling even the fastest methods like air fryer shrimp. The beauty of the skillet method lies in its ability to impart a delicate, golden crust to each shrimp, creating a beautiful contrast with their naturally bright pink and red hues as they cook.
Beyond its rapid preparation, the true magic lies in the rich, aromatic sauce. A decadent blend of melted butter, fragrant minced garlic, subtly sweet shallots, and savory grated parmesan cheese transforms simple shrimp into an extraordinary dish. This combination ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, leaving the shrimp incredibly juicy, supple, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated appetizer to impress guests or a satisfying main course for the family, this sautéed shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile and guaranteed to please.
It’s a recipe that perfectly balances ease with elegance, proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. The active cooking time is minimal, allowing you to spend less time stirring and more time enjoying. The straightforward steps and common ingredients make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs looking for a reliable, quick seafood option.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Sauteed Shrimp
Crafting this delectable sautéed shrimp dish requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature flavor. You’ll find a complete list of precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this post. However, here’s an overview of the key components you’ll need to gather to bring this incredible meal to life:
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce: Unsalted butter, fresh garlic (minced), shallots (minced), and finely grated Parmesan cheese.
- For the Shrimp: Raw jumbo shrimp, additional unsalted butter for sautéing, paprika, garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing the rich, savory, and slightly sweet profile of this dish. Opting for fresh ingredients whenever possible will elevate the flavors and ensure the best culinary experience.
Detailed Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions
The Star: Shrimp
For the best results, we highly recommend using jumbo raw shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. The “raw” part is crucial; pre-cooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery when sautéed again. If you’re starting with frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed before you begin. Thawing them slowly in the refrigerator overnight is ideal, or you can use the quick-thaw method by placing them in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes. After thawing, always pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is non-negotiable, as excess moisture will prevent the seasonings from adhering properly and will steam the shrimp instead of allowing them to get that desirable golden sear.
We prefer to keep the tails on the shrimp. Not only do they add a visual appeal to the finished dish, but they also serve as a convenient “handle” for dipping, especially if you’re serving this as an appetizer. However, if you prefer, you can easily remove the tails before cooking without affecting the flavor or texture of the shrimp itself.
The Flavor Foundation: Garlic Butter Sauce
- Butter: Use good quality unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially since we’re also using garlic salt. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the amount of garlic salt you add to the shrimp seasoning.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is paramount here. The vibrant, pungent flavor of fresh garlic cannot be replicated by garlic powder in this sauce. For ease, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar, but fresh cloves will always offer the superior aroma and taste.
- Shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter, and more delicate onion flavor compared to regular onions. They melt beautifully into the butter sauce. If shallots are unavailable, a very finely minced sweet onion (like Vidalia) or even a small amount of chives can be a suitable substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for its nutty, salty depth and ability to melt smoothly into the sauce. Pre-grated parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty. For the best creamy texture, grate it yourself from a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Pecorino Romano could be a strong alternative if you enjoy a sharper, saltier cheese.
The Seasonings
- Paprika: This vibrant spice adds a beautiful color and a mild, sweet, peppery flavor to the shrimp. Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper, more smoky undertone, while hot paprika will introduce a subtle kick.
- Garlic Salt: A convenient blend that seasons the shrimp with both salt and garlic flavor. Adjust the amount based on your preference and whether you’re using salted or unsalted butter. Onion powder can be added for another layer of savory depth.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for a touch of warmth and aromatic complexity.
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, adding them to the butter sauce just before tossing the shrimp.
How to Master the Art of Sauteed Garlic Butter Parmesan Shrimp
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredibly delicious recipe. For the complete, printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and a comprehensive list of instructions, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- First, prepare your irresistible garlic butter sauce. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, minced shallot, and grated parmesan cheese. Heat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until the butter is fully melted and the ingredients are well combined. Give it a good stir and set it aside; this will be tossed with the cooked shrimp at the very end.
- Next, thoroughly prepare your shrimp. Lay the thawed and peeled shrimp on a few layers of paper towels and firmly pat them dry. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing the shrimp from steaming in the pan. Ensure all excess moisture is removed from the surface of each shrimp.
- In a separate small bowl, combine your seasonings: paprika, garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Once mixed, generously sprinkle this seasoning blend over both sides of the patted-dry shrimp. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated to maximize flavor.
- Now it’s time to sauté! Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the butter begins to foam; this indicates it’s hot enough for proper searing. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for approximately 3 minutes on one side until they begin to curl and turn opaque with vibrant pink and red hues. Then, flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until they are fully cooked through and beautifully golden.
- Finally, finish the dish. Immediately after the shrimp are cooked, pour the prepared garlic butter sauce into the skillet. Quickly toss the shrimp to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately to prevent the shrimp from continuing to cook and becoming tough. The residual heat from the shrimp and skillet will warm the sauce perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Sauteed Shrimp
Store any leftover sautéed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over very low heat for just a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until just heated through. Be careful not to overcook them during reheating, as they can quickly become rubbery. A quick sauté in a touch of fresh butter or olive oil can help revive their texture and flavor.
Shrimp cooks very quickly, and knowing when it’s done is key to avoiding a rubbery texture. You’ll know shrimp is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque, losing its translucent grey color and developing vibrant pink and red hues. Additionally, the shrimp will curl into a loose “C” shape. The sweet spot for cooking skillet shrimp is typically 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of your shrimp. Overcooking is the most common mistake, which will result in tough, chewy shrimp.
A heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for even heat distribution. A stainless steel skillet or a cast-iron skillet will give you the best sear and golden crust. A non-stick skillet can also work well, especially for beginner cooks, but may not achieve the same level of caramelization on the shrimp’s surface.
Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce when you melt it, or sprinkle them over the shrimp during the last minute of cooking. Adjust the quantity to your preferred level of heat.
While sautéed shrimp is best enjoyed fresh from the pan, you can do some prep work in advance. You can mix the garlic butter sauce ingredients and store them in the fridge, ready to melt. You can also pat the shrimp dry and season them a few hours before cooking, keeping them refrigerated. However, we do not recommend cooking the shrimp completely ahead of time, as it tends to overcook and lose its tender texture upon reheating.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Parmesan Shrimp
This versatile garlic butter parmesan sautéed shrimp can be enjoyed in countless ways, whether as a vibrant appetizer or a fulfilling main course. Its rich flavors pair beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing for endless culinary creativity.
As a Main Course:
- With Pasta: Toss the freshly cooked shrimp and its luscious sauce with your favorite pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne work wonderfully) for an instant, restaurant-quality shrimp scampi. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness.
- Over Grains: Serve it alongside fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option. The sauce is perfect for soaking into the grains.
- With Vegetables: Complement the rich shrimp with steamed or roasted vegetables like crisp asparagus, tender broccoli, green beans, or a medley of colorful bell peppers.
- Creamy Polenta or Grits: For a comforting meal, serve the shrimp over creamy polenta or cheesy grits.
- Bread: Don’t forget a crusty loaf of artisanal bread to sop up every last drop of that amazing garlic butter sauce.
As an Appetizer or Light Bite:
- Simple Appetizer: Arrange the shrimp on a platter with a wedge of fresh lemon for squeezing, and perhaps a small bowl of cocktail sauce or a garlic aioli for dipping.
- In Salads: Add the cooled sautéed shrimp to a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a satisfying and healthy meal.
- On Skewers: Thread the cooked shrimp onto small skewers for an elegant finger food option, perhaps with cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices.
Always enjoy this dish hot and fresh from the skillet, ideally with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors. The lemon’s acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese beautifully.
Discover More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes
If you’re a fan of shrimp and looking for more creative ways to enjoy this delicious seafood, you’re in luck! Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of dishes. Explore some of our other favorite shrimp recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:
- Crispy Shrimp
- Grilled Shrimp
- Shrimp Tacos
- Butterfly Shrimp
- Chile Lime Shrimp
- Shrimp Fajitas
- Shrimp Salad
- Citrus Pepper Shrimp
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Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauteed Shrimp
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp shallot minced
- 2 Tbsp parmesan grated
Shrimp
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb raw jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Things You’ll Need
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Large skillet
Before You Begin
- We keep the tails on because they make a great handle for dipping the shrimp. You can remove the tails before cooking if you prefer.
- You can buy shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. Be sure they are raw, not cooked. If you are using frozen shrimp, allow them to fully thaw before seasoning and cooking.
- Shrimp cooks fast, be sure to remove the shrimp from the skillet immediately after tossing in the sauce so they don’t continue to cook. Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery.
Instructions
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Mix all the garlic butter sauce ingredients together in a bowl then melt in the microwave. Set aside.
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Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
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Combine paprika, garlic salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasonings on the shrimp on both sides.
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Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. When butter begins to foam, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook 3 minutes on one side then turn over and cook 3 minutes more. The shrimp will curl up and turn opaque with bright red and pink hues.
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Add butter sauce to the skillet and toss to coat. Remove immediately so the shrimp does not continue to cook.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.