If you’re craving a dish that bursts with rich, buttery goodness and the fresh zing of garlic, then this Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Juicy tiger shrimp are cooked to perfection, swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s brightened up with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in no time at all, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without stress. Each bite delivers a beautiful balance of savory, tangy, and subtle heat that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe celebrates simplicity with ingredients that work in harmony to create a dish full of flavor, color, and texture. Every component plays a key role—from the sweetness of the tiger shrimp to the creamy butter and punchy garlic, resulting in a dish that feels fresh and satisfying.
- Tiger shrimp, 1 pound: Peeled and deveined with tails on for the perfect bite-sized morsels and a beautiful presentation.
- Unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons: Provides the rich, velvety base of the sauce, allowing the garlic and lemon to shine.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps prevent the butter from burning while adding its own fruity depth.
- Garlic cloves, 5 minced: The star flavor that infuses the shrimp with aromatic intensity.
- Red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon (optional): Adds just the right touch of heat to elevate the dish without overpowering it.
- Lemon juice from ½ lemon: Brings bright acidity that perfectly balances the butter and complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped: Adds a burst of fresh green color and herbaceous flavor for a beautiful finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: For an extra squeeze of freshness right at the table.
How to Make Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting your tiger shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear beautifully. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is crucial because it builds a flavorful foundation that shines through every bite.
Step 2: Heat the Butter and Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with the olive oil. This combination allows the butter to brown gently without burning and creates a luxurious cooking base that will soak into every piece of shrimp.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick) to the melted butter and oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This quick step releases the essential oils from the garlic, infusing the entire pan with its irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Tiger Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, ensuring they have enough space to sear properly. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. This careful cooking prevents them from becoming rubbery while locking in their sweet succulent flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon, Butter, and Parsley
Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over them and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and toss everything gently so the shrimp get coated evenly in that gorgeous garlic butter sauce. The citrus and herbs brighten the richness for a perfectly balanced dish.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate or leave them in the skillet for a rustic touch. Arrange lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a fresh squeeze if they want. This dish is best enjoyed hot while the butter sauce is silky and fragrant.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation and extra flavor, sprinkle a little more chopped fresh parsley right before serving. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few extra red pepper flakes for color and a tiny kick.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy steamed rice or a bed of linguine to soak up every drop of butter sauce. Crusty bread is another favorite to mop up those irresistible garlicky drippings. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make great companions as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Serve the shrimp on skewers for a fun appetizer, or spoon the shrimp and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a cozy, comforting meal. For a low-carb option, plate the shrimp atop spiralized zucchini noodles with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. While the flavors remain delicious, it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh as shrimp tend to become firm and less tender over time.
Freezing
Because of the butter sauce, freezing is not ideal for this dish as the texture can change after thawing. If you must freeze, place the cooked shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp slowly in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. You can add a small splash of butter or olive oil to keep the sauce silky and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating as it can toughen the shrimp and dull the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will help the shrimp sear properly and prevent excess water from diluting your garlic butter sauce.
What can I substitute if I don’t have tiger shrimp?
Any large shrimp variety will work well. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the size to avoid overcooking.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick thanks to the optional red pepper flakes, but you can leave them out or increase the amount according to your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses only fresh shrimp, butter, and seasonings without any gluten-containing ingredients.
What wine pairs best with Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe?
A crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the buttery, garlicky flavors beautifully and balances the richness of the dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something simply magical about this Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe that makes it impossible not to smile while eating. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor — the kind of recipe you want to keep in your back pocket for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, dive into this dish with lemon wedges in hand and savor every buttery, garlicky, juicy bite!
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Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent tiger shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for a fast and elegant meal, this recipe delivers a delicious balance of buttery, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavors that pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound tiger shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the tiger shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels, then season evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Heat the Butter and Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil together with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and shimmering but not browned, preparing the base for sautéing.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Add Lemon Juice and Butter: Squeeze in the fresh juice of half a lemon and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir gently to melt the butter into the sauce, creating a silky coating for the shrimp.
- Finish with Parsley: Toss the chopped fresh parsley into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat the shrimp evenly with the vibrant, buttery sauce.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter tiger shrimp immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick, ideal to complement with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
- This dish is fantastic served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- For a smoky twist, consider grilling the shrimp and then drizzling with the garlic butter mixture afterwards.
- To keep the shrimp juicy, avoid overcooking; they should be pink and opaque but tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
