Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Bold Flavor Meets Quick Weeknight Perfection
Hey there, I’m Jason Griffith, and if there is one thing I’ve learned from years of developing recipes for ChefManiac, it’s that you don’t need two hours and a sink full of dishes to create a world-class meal. When the hunger hits after a long day, I reach for one specific protein: shrimp.
This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is my secret weapon. It’s a dish that feels incredibly luxurious—the kind of thing you’d pay $30 for at a high-end bistro—but it comes together in exactly 20 minutes. We are talking about succulent, plump shrimp bathed in a pool of golden butter, infused with the sharp bite of fresh garlic, and kicked up a notch with sliced red chilies and smoky paprika.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are three main reasons why this recipe is a permanent fixture in my kitchen rotation:
- Speed: Most “quick” recipes still take 40 minutes. This one is genuinely done in 20, including prep.
- Flavor Depth: The combination of butter and olive oil prevents the garlic from burning while creating a rich sauce that clings to every shrimp.
- Versatility: You can toss this over pasta, serve it with crusty bread, or pile it high on a bed of fluffy rice.
If you are looking for more “set it and forget it” styles of comfort, you might also enjoy these easy turkey wings for your next Sunday meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get that signature ChefManiac flavor, quality matters. Here is what you need to gather:
- 1 lb Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined. I prefer tails on for the presentation, but tails off is easier for eating!
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter: This provides the velvety base for our sauce.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: This raises the smoke point so the butter doesn’t brown too quickly.
- 5 Garlic Cloves: Finely chopped. Don’t use the jarred stuff; fresh garlic is the star here.
- 1–2 Red Chilies: Finely sliced. Adjust based on your heat tolerance.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: This adds that beautiful amber color and a layer of “cooked over a fire” flavor.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice: To cut through the richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped for a pop of color and freshness.
Swaps and Notes
- The Heat: If you can’t find fresh red chilies, a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes works in a pinch.
- The Butter: If you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of extra salt you add at the end.
- Make it a Feast: If you’re hosting a party and need more appetizers to go with this, this beer cheese dip is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Garlic & Chilies
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil until it’s sizzling. This is the perfect base for a quick weeknight dinner. Once the butter is melted, toss in your chopped garlic and sliced chilies. Sauté them for 1–2 minutes. You’re looking for the garlic to become fragrant and soft, but not brown or bitter.
2. Add the Shrimp
Toss the shrimp into the pan. Stir well to ensure every single shrimp is coated in that spicy garlic butter mixture. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. This is the ultimate flavor bomb that makes shrimp such a fan favorite.
3. Spice It Up
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the shrimp. Give everything a good stir. The paprika will turn the butter into a gorgeous deep orange sauce that screams “restaurant quality.”
4. Finish with Lemon
Squeeze in your fresh lemon juice and give it one last stir. This adds a brightness that balances the fat of the butter. It’s the essential final touch for a light yet bold shrimp dish.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat immediately to prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery. Sprinkle the fresh parsley on top and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook incredibly fast. Once they form a “C” shape, they are done. If they curl into an “O,” they are likely overcooked.
- Dry the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan. This helps them sear rather than steam.
- Prep First: Because the cooking process only takes about 6 minutes, have all your garlic and chilies chopped and ready to go before you turn on the heat.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is incredibly flexible. I personally love serving it over a bed of jasmine rice to soak up all that extra garlic butter.
If you want to keep the theme going for a full dinner party, consider pairing this with these sheet pan quesadillas as a starter. And of course, no spicy meal is complete without a refreshing drink. I highly recommend a classic margarita to help cool down the heat from the chilies!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~360 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~24g
- Carbs: ~4g
- Fiber: ~1g
Storage and Leftover Tips
Shrimp is always best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Do so gently! Use a pan over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this one-pan wonder, you have to try some of my other favorites:
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders
- Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a restaurant-worthy meal in the time it takes to watch a sitcom. This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is proof that simple ingredients, when treated with a little love and heat, can create something truly spectacular.
I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add extra chilies? Did you serve it over pasta? Drop a comment below and let me know. Be sure to follow ChefManiac for more bold, easy, and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
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