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Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe with Easy White Wine Sauce for Dinner

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A quick and easy garlic butter shrimp recipe with a silky white wine sauce that is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. Juicy, tender shrimp cooked just right and served with a flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with simple sides or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen shrimp)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or low-sodium chicken broth as substitute
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. Mince the garlic and chop parsley.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and slightly bubbling, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits on the pan bottom. Let it simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and lemon juice until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately with your favorite sides or crusty bread.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming. Cook shrimp quickly to avoid rubbery texture. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Let white wine simmer to burn off alcohol and concentrate flavor. If pan is crowded, cook shrimp in batches. Fresh parsley adds brightness and color. Substitute chicken broth for white wine if avoiding alcohol.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, white wine sauce, quick shrimp recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, seafood, shrimp dinner, garlic shrimp, buttery shrimp