Craving a quick and mouth-watering shrimp dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Garlic Buttered Shrimp recipe, infused with a rich Filipino twist, will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey.
Aside from gambas, sinigang na hipon, and tempura, garlic buttered shrimp is one of the shrimp dishes my family can’t get enough of. Every time I make this, it disappears from the table in minutes. The juicy shrimp coated in rich, buttery sauce with lots of garlic—it’s the perfect mix of savory and a little sweet. The garlic brings out that addicting aroma, while the butter makes everything rich and comforting. Pair it with hot rice, and you’re in for a meal that will make you want extra servings!
As a dad who loves to cook, this dish is my go-to when I need something quick but special for the family. What’s great about this Garlic Buttered Shrimp Filipino recipe is that it’s so easy to make, even after a long day. Just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes, and you’ll have a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Garlic Buttered Shrimp Ingredients List
Butter: This is what makes the dish rich and creamy, coating the shrimp with a smooth, savory flavor. It also enhances the garlic and spices, making everything blend perfectly.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor and aroma, making the dish fragrant and giving it that signature garlicky goodness we all love. The garlic also deepens the savory taste of the shrimp.
Shrimp: Fresh, deveined shrimp is the heart of the dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs all the buttery, garlicky flavors while staying juicy and tender.
Salt and Black Pepper: A pinch of each brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding just the right amount of seasoning to balance the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little kick, red pepper flakes add a mild heat that cuts through the richness of the butter.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the dish and giving it a slightly herby flavor.
How to Cook Garlic Buttered Shrimp
Clean and Dry Your Shrimp
First, you need to clean and devein the shrimp. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. This will help the shrimp cook nicely later on and soak up all the flavors better.
Melt the Butter
In a large pan, melt your butter over medium heat. The butter is what’s going to make everything taste rich and delicious, so let it melt slowly. Make sure it doesn’t burn.
Sauté the Garlic
Once your butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it smells fragrant. You don’t want it to turn brown, so keep an eye on it. The garlic is what’s going to give this dish that amazing aroma.
Cook the Shrimp
Now, add your shrimp to the pan. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a nice pink color. Be careful not to overcook them because shrimp cook fast!
Add a Little Heat
Sprinkle the red pepper flakes into the pan. This step is optional, but if you like a bit of spice, it’ll give the dish a mild kick. Stir it around so the pepper flakes mix well with the butter and garlic.
Add Fresh Parsley and Finish
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a light, fresh flavor. This balances out the richness of the butter and garlic.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp hot, and pair it with rice, pasta, or even some toasted bread. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy your meal!
Tips on Cooking Garlic Buttered Shrimp
1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very fast—usually 2-3 minutes on each side. As soon as they turn pink and firm up, they’re done. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
2. Use Fresh, Juicy Shrimp
Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in your pan.
3. Control the Heat with Garlic
When sautéing garlic, make sure it doesn’t brown or burn. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, so keep the heat on medium and stir it continuously until it’s just fragrant.
4. Adjust Butter and Garlic to Taste
Feel free to adjust the amount of butter and garlic depending on your preference. If you love garlic (like I do!), add more for that extra punch of flavor. You can also use salted or unsalted butter based on how salty you want the dish.
5. Add a Kick with Red Pepper Flakes
If you like a little spice, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. You can always adjust it to your heat tolerance, or even skip it if you’re serving kids who aren’t fans of spicy food.
6. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference
Sprinkling fresh parsley at the end adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor that balances the rich butter and garlic. Don’t skip this step—it really makes the dish come alive!
7. Serve Immediately
Garlic butter shrimp is best served hot and fresh off the stove. If it sits too long, the butter might harden, and the shrimp could get chewy. Serve it right away for the best experience!
How To Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp?
1. With Steamed Rice
This is the classic Pinoy way! Serve your garlic butter shrimp over a bed of steaming hot white rice. The rice will soak up all the rich, buttery sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
2. With Crusty Bread
Pair it with some warm, crusty bread to dip into the buttery garlic sauce. This makes it feel a bit more like a fancy meal, but it’s still super easy.
3. Over Pasta
Toss the garlic butter shrimp with cooked pasta for an instant shrimp scampi-style dish. The buttery sauce will coat the pasta, making it a filling and flavorful meal.
4. As a Side Dish
If you’re making a bigger meal, you can serve this as a tasty side to grilled meats or other seafood. It adds a rich, garlicky element to any meal.
5. Topping for Salad
Want a lighter option? Place the garlic butter shrimp on top of a fresh salad. The shrimp adds protein and flavor, and the butter sauce can act as a warm dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture for the best results.
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but it won’t have the same rich, creamy flavor as butter. If you want the full buttery taste, stick to real butter.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Cook the garlic on medium heat and stir frequently. If the pan gets too hot, lower the heat to keep the garlic from turning bitter.
Garlic Buttered Shrimp
Ingredients
- 100 grams Butter
- 8 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 500 grams Shrimp (deveined)
- pinch Salt
- pinch Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Clean and devein the shrimp, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Sprinkle the red pepper flakes into the pan and stir to combine, adding a mild kick to the dish.
- Once the shrimp is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley for freshness and added flavor.
- Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp hot with your choice of rice, pasta, or bread.
