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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juice and zest - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach (optional) - Cooked rice or pasta, for serving The main ingredients are simple yet full of flavor. The shrimp is the star of the dish. I always choose large, fresh shrimp for the best taste. The unsalted butter adds richness, while garlic gives it that classic punch. For the flavor enhancers, I love the heat from red pepper flakes. You can adjust this to match your taste. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. The parsley at the end adds a fresh touch. The accompaniments make this meal complete. You can season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If you like, throw in baby spinach for extra nutrition. Finally, serve this dish over rice or pasta. This makes it filling and satisfying. First, grab a large skillet. Place it on medium heat and add the unsalted butter. As it melts, a rich aroma fills the air. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not brown. This step builds a great flavor base for your shrimp. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet, making sure they are spread out evenly. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. When the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are done. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. This quick cooking method keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Once the shrimp are ready, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, if you like. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and the spinach to wilt. This adds color and nutrition to your dish. Now, remove the skillet from heat and mix in the lemon juice and zest. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over everything. This adds freshness and a pop of color to your meal. Serve the garlic butter shrimp over cooked rice or pasta, drizzling the leftover sauce on top for extra flavor. To ensure your shrimp stay tender, do not overcook them. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. For spice levels, you can adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you like heat. For a beautiful plate, serve the garlic butter shrimp over a bed of rice or pasta. Arrange the shrimp and veggies neatly, letting the colors shine. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Lemon wedges can add a nice touch too. If you want to switch up the herbs, try using cilantro or basil instead of parsley. For a low-fat option, use olive oil instead of butter. You can also skip the butter and use a dairy-free alternative if needed. {{image_2}} You can add more protein to your Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet. Scallops work great here. They cook fast and add a sweet taste. Just add them alongside the shrimp. Chicken is another option. You can cut it into small pieces and sauté it. It will soak up the garlic butter flavor nicely. You can even chop up some bacon. Cook it first, then add the shrimp. This will give your dish a rich taste. If you want a vegetarian meal, there are simple swaps. You can use tofu instead of shrimp. Firm tofu holds its shape well. Just press it to remove water and cut it into cubes. Another option is chickpeas. They add protein and a nice texture. Use the same steps from the recipe but adjust the cooking time. Cook until the tofu is golden or the chickpeas are warm. You can change the flavors easily. Try using lime juice instead of lemon. Lime gives a fresh, zesty kick. Orange juice is another fun choice. It adds sweetness and pairs well with shrimp. You can also switch up the herbs. Fresh basil or cilantro can change the taste. Add them at the end for a burst of flavor. Each option gives a new twist to this quick meal. To store leftover garlic butter shrimp, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh for 2-3 days. Glass or plastic containers work best. Make sure they have tight lids. This prevents air from ruining the flavor. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This helps keep shrimp tender. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. Add a splash of water or broth to keep moisture. You can freeze garlic butter shrimp for up to 3 months. First, cool the dish completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. For defrosting, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet after thawing to maintain texture. It takes about 15 minutes to make this dish. You will spend 5 minutes prepping and 10 minutes cooking. This quick meal fits perfectly into a busy day. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure you thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking for the best results. You can serve garlic butter shrimp over cooked rice or pasta. Pairing with crusty bread is also great for soaking up the sauce. Add a simple salad for a fresh touch. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the shrimp and veggies ahead of time. Store in airtight containers and reheat when ready to eat. It tastes just as good! To make it less spicy, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes. You can also add more butter or cream to tone down the heat. This will keep the flavor rich without the spice. In this post, we explored how to make a simple garlic butter shrimp dish. We discussed the key ingredients, from shrimp and butter to lemon and parsley. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your shrimp are tender. We also looked at variations and how to store leftovers properly. Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy making this dish your own, and always remember that a little creativity goes a long way!

Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Savor the flavor with this minute garlic butter shrimp skillet recipe that's quick, easy, and packed with deliciousness! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up tender shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter, tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion! Click through to explore this simple recipe and enjoy a delightful meal that will impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 lemon, juice and zest

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup baby spinach (optional)

Cooked rice or pasta, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

    Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the melted butter, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

      Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are opaque, flipping them halfway through.

        Add the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts.

          Remove the skillet from heat, and stir in the lemon juice and zest, along with the chopped parsley. Make sure everything is well-coated.

            Serve the garlic butter shrimp over cooked rice or pasta, drizzling any leftover sauce from the skillet on top.

              Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4