Garlic Herb Shrimp

This garlic herb shrimp recipe is perfect for when you want a quick seafood dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss. Sautéed in butter with fragrant garlic and a mix of dried herbs plus a splash of fresh lemon juice, these shrimp cook up in just minutes and deliver a rich yet bright flavor. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crisp greens, it’s an effortless way to enjoy tender, flavorful shrimp on busy nights.

I remember the first time I made this recipe on a weekday when time was tight. It came together so fast that dinner was ready well before anyone arrived home. Since then it has become a go-to favorite especially when I want something fresh and satisfying without the wait.

Ingredients

• One pound large shrimp: peeled and deveined for easy eating and no shell fuss
• Three tablespoons salted butter: adds richness and helps meld the flavors smoothly
• Three cloves garlic: minced to release that essential aromatic punch that lifts the whole dish
• Half a teaspoon dried basil: offers a gentle sweet and slightly peppery herbal note
• Half a teaspoon dried oregano: brings earthiness that complements the shrimp beautifully
• Half a teaspoon lemon zest: infuses bright citrus fragrance for freshness
• Quarter teaspoon salt: seasons and enhances every flavor in the pan
• Quarter teaspoon black pepper: adds mild heat and depth for balance
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes: gives a subtle kick to contrast the buttery richness
• Three tablespoons fresh lemon juice: finishes the dish with a lively tangy brightness
• Two tablespoons freshly chopped parsley: delivers fresh herbal vibrancy and pretty garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Butter and Garlic:

Heat the butter in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat until it gently foams but does not brown. This careful warming lets the butter fully melt and infuse the pan with richness. Add the minced garlic and stir it constantly for about thirty seconds until you smell the aroma rising. Be sure not to let the garlic brown or it will taste bitter so watch it closely and remove from heat quickly if needed.

Add and Season the Shrimp:

Carefully place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer if possible for even cooking. Shake the dried basil oregano lemon zest salt black pepper and red pepper flakes evenly over the shrimp. Stir and flip them often as they cook. You want to watch the shrimp turn a bright opaque pink and curl gently usually about three to four minutes total. Shrimp cook quickly and will get rubbery if left too long so keep an eye on the timing.

Finish with Lemon and Parsley:

Remove the skillet from heat as soon as all the shrimp are opaque and curled. Pour the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Toss everything gently so the lemon and herbs coat the shrimp evenly while still hot. Serve your shrimp straight away for the best texture and freshest flavor.

My favorite ingredient is the butter because it melts the garlic and herbs into a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of shrimp. I still remember serving this to friends the first time the shrimp vanished almost instantly and generated many recipe requests afterward.

Storage tips

Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within two days to ensure freshness. Gently reheat them in a pan over low heat or use short bursts in the microwave but be careful not to overcook. This dish shines brightest freshly made so plan accordingly if you want the best flavor and texture.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have dried basil or oregano on hand fresh versions can work but reduce the amounts since fresh herbs are more potent and add extra moisture. Unsalted butter is perfectly fine just add a pinch of salt to balance flavors. For a dairy-free option substitute a nice olive oil but the final taste will be different. Adjust or omit the red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.

Serving suggestions

Garlic herb shrimp are delicious served over steamed rice quinoa or pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and herbs. It is also fantastic on top of a crisp green salad or tucked into warm tortillas for shrimp tacos. Roasted vegetables and crusty bread to soak up the buttery garlic sauce make the meal even more satisfying.

Serve immediately for the best texture. The bright lemon and buttery garlic make this an easy weeknight winner.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque pink and curl into a loose 'C' shape, typically after 3 to 4 minutes in a hot skillet. Remove promptly to avoid toughness.

→ Should I use fresh or dried herbs?

Dried basil and oregano work well during cooking for concentrated flavor, while fresh parsley added at the end brightens the dish with a fresh note.

→ Can shrimp be cooked with tails on or off?

Tails can be left on for finger foods or appetizers to ease handling, but removing them is better for dishes like pasta or rice to avoid unwanted texture.

→ What pan is best for cooking shrimp this way?

A cast iron or heavy skillet is ideal because it retains heat evenly, enhancing shrimp flavor while sautéing in butter and garlic.

→ How can I adjust the heat level in this dish?

Red pepper flakes add mild heat; adjust the amount based on preference or omit completely for a milder flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight meal?

Yes, it cooks in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients, making it a convenient and tasty option for busy evenings.