Garlic Herb Shrimp
Plump, juicy shrimp coated in a glossy, fragrant garlic herb butter sauce. A lightning-fast skillet dish that turns out restaurant-worthy every time, finished with bright lemon juice and fresh parsley. Perfect over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for sopping up every last drop.
For 4 servings
- prep
Pat the shrimp completely dry.
Arrange shrimp on paper towels, pat them very dry. Dry shrimp sear instead of steam. Season with salt and black pepper.
TIPThe drier the shrimp, the better the sear. Wet shrimp will boil in the pan. - saute · ~5 min
Sear the shrimp in two batches.
1.Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.2.Add half the shrimp in a single layer. Sear without moving until golden on the bottom (1.5 min).3.Flip each shrimp and cook the second side until just opaque (1 min).4.Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the second batch. - saute · ~1 min
Bloom the garlic in butter.
1.Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the skillet.2.Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook gently until fragrant (30-45 seconds).TIPBe careful not to brown the garlic — it turns bitter. Pull the pan off the heat if it starts to color. - mix · ~1 min
Toss shrimp back in the garlic butter.
1.Return all seared shrimp to the skillet.2.Pour lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley.3.Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated and warmed through (30 seconds). - serve
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Spoon the shrimp and any pooled garlic butter onto plates or a platter. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure a golden sear rather than steaming.
- 2Sear shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding the pan; work in batches if needed.
- 3Remove the pan from heat if garlic starts to color to prevent bitterness.
- 4Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a bright, clean finish.
- 5Serve immediately after tossing; shrimp overcook quickly in the hot butter.
- 6Reserve extra butter to drizzle over pasta or rice for extra flavor.
- 7For a crispier texture, skip the tail-off and leave tails on for presentation.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb / keto
Serve the garlic herb shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to keep carbs low while enjoying the same buttery sauce.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a minced bird's eye chili when cooking the garlic for a punch of heat.
herb swapHerb swap
Replace parsley with fresh basil, dill, or cilantro for a different herbaceous note that pairs well with lemon and garlic.
dairy freeDairy-free
Substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan buttery spread or extra-virgin olive oil; the sauce will still be rich but slightly less creamy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp is low in fat and high in protein, making this dish a satisfying option for muscle maintenance without excess calories.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp provides selenium, an antioxidant mineral that supports thyroid function and immune health.
Vitamin C from Lemon
Fresh lemon juice adds a dose of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption and supports skin health.
Low in Carbohydrates
This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb and keto-friendly meal plans.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat very dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure a proper sear.







