If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying seafood dish, this sautéed shrimp recipe is the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish in just 15 minutes.
This recipe features succulent, juicy shrimp bathed in garlic, butter, and spices, creating a rich and mouthwatering flavor that will have you coming back for more.
1. Sauteed Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground paprika
- 1 lemon, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they aren’t already. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the shrimp sauté properly without excess moisture.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. The butter provides a rich flavor and helps the shrimp cook evenly.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, add in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, just enough to release its aromatic flavor without burning. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir the mixture to evenly coat the butter with the seasonings.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, and no one wants that!
Finish with Lemon: Once the shrimp are cooked through, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them to brighten the flavors. Give everything a quick toss to coat the shrimp in the lemony butter sauce.
Serve: Serve your perfectly sautéed shrimp immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or extra lemon wedges if desired.
2. Tips for Perfect Sautéed Shrimp
Choose Quality Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great for this recipe, but make sure to buy large, raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. The size helps create that satisfying bite, and buying raw shrimp ensures they are tender and juicy.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has a stronger, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic from a jar. For the best results, mince your garlic just before cooking.
Watch the Heat: Medium heat is the key here. High heat might cook the shrimp too quickly on the outside, leaving them raw inside. Medium heat allows for even cooking and perfectly tender shrimp.
Timing is Everything: Shrimp cook fast! Once they turn pink, it’s time to pull them off the heat. Leave them in the pan too long, and they’ll become tough and chewy. For a juicy texture, cook them for just 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Serving Suggestions
This sautéed shrimp dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:
Over Pasta: Serve the shrimp over a bed of spaghetti or linguine, tossing everything together with a drizzle of the buttery sauce. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil for an extra touch.
With Rice: A side of fluffy white or brown rice pairs beautifully with the shrimp. The rice soaks up the rich butter sauce and creates a comforting, satisfying meal.
In a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp over a mixed green salad with some avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The shrimp add a burst of protein and flavor to a refreshing salad.
As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as a stand-alone appetizer with some crusty bread on the side for dipping into the buttery garlic sauce.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t likely because this dish is THAT good), here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
Storage: Place any leftover sautéed shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the shrimp gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat. Adding a small pat of butter or a splash of water will help keep the shrimp from drying out. Be sure to reheat them just until warm, as overcooking will make them tough again.
This perfect sautéed shrimp recipe is hands down one of my go-to dishes. It’s fast, easy, and packed with bold flavors that never disappoint. The combination of butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and lemon creates a magical balance that works every single time.
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality shrimp dish that you can make at home in under 15 minutes, this is it. Try it out, and I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.
Let me know how yours turns out! Enjoy! 🍤✨
