Spring Dinner Garlic Butter Shrimp

Name: Spring Dinner Garlic Butter Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Fresh Wellness Table

I absolutely love preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp for a fresh spring dinner that brightens any table. The combination of succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible, and it pairs beautifully with seasonal vegetables. In just under 30 minutes, I can whip up this dish for my family or guests, bringing a taste of the coast right into my kitchen. It’s a recipe that not only delivers on flavor but also showcases the vibrant ingredients available during springtime.

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2026-02-26T08:17:34.646Z

When I first made Garlic Butter Shrimp, I was amazed by how simple and delicious it turned out! The secret lies in using high-quality shrimp and letting the garlic infuse the butter. I learned that cooking the shrimp just until they turn opaque creates a tender bite that everyone loves.

Pairing it with asparagus or zucchini not only adds color but a fresh crunch too. This dish is perfect for spring gatherings, and I always prepare a little extra, as everyone loves second helpings! Serve it with crusty bread for a truly memorable meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Easily adjustable with your favorite spring vegetables
Flavorful garlic butter sauce enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

Choosing the Perfect Shrimp

When selecting shrimp for this dish, opt for large, fresh shrimp with a firm texture and a mild ocean scent. Fresh shrimp should have a sheen to their shells and should look moist—not dry or dull. If buying frozen shrimp, ensure they are flash-frozen to maintain quality, and thaw them properly in the fridge overnight or under cold running water for quicker results. Properly thawed shrimp should not have an overly fishy smell, which indicates they might be past their prime.

The shrimp's natural sweetness is key to this recipe's success. When you sauté them in garlic butter, they develop a gorgeous golden color while retaining a juicy interior. Cook the shrimp just until they turn opaque and pink; overcooking can lead to rubbery texture. This process typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size.

Enhancing Flavor with Garlic and Lemon

Garlic is the star flavor component in this dish, providing a robust aroma and depth. To get the most out of garlic, cook it until it's fragrant—careful not to burn it, as it can turn bitter. Minced garlic cooks quickly, so keep a close watch while it's sautéing, which should take no more than a minute over medium heat. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead, which gives a sweet, caramelized taste that blends wonderfully with the butter.

The addition of lemon juice brightens the entire dish, balancing the richness of the butter and enhancing the seafood's natural flavors. If you like a more pronounced citrus taste, feel free to add more lemon juice or even a bit of lemon zest. This adds freshness and elevates the dish, making it perfect for a vibrant spring dinner.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs splendidly with a variety of sides. For a wholesome meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy risotto, allowing the savory sauce to soak in. Grilled or roasted seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas would complement the flavors beautifully. For a touch of elegance, offer crusty baguette slices for dipping into the delicious garlic butter sauce, creating an informal yet delightful dining experience.

If you're looking to cater to different tastes, experiment by adding other spring vegetables such as peas or baby kale, which can be sautéed alongside the shrimp for texture and color. For a kick of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate this dish—just sprinkle them in while sautéing. You can also substitute the shrimp with scallops or even chicken, adjusting cook times as necessary, ensuring each protein is fully cooked without losing texture.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure you have everything prepped before starting to cook!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Garlic Butter Shrimp.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink, then flip to cook the other side.

Add Vegetables

Add the asparagus to the skillet and pour in the lemon juice. Sauté everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or over cooked rice.

Enjoy a delicious meal that's sure to impress!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or substituting the asparagus with your favorite seasonal veggies.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare certain components of this Garlic Butter Shrimp dish ahead of time to streamline your cooking process. The garlic can be minced in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Additionally, you can wash and chop the asparagus a day or two before cooking to save time. Just be sure to keep them in a sealed bag to maintain freshness.

While it’s best to cook shrimp just before serving, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on a low flame in a skillet with a splash of water or a little extra butter to prevent drying out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your shrimp turning out rubbery, it’s usually a sign they’ve been overcooked. To avoid this, always cook shrimp until they are just opaque and vibrant pink; they cook very quickly, usually within five minutes total. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly thawed as ice crystals can cause uneven cooking, leading to toughness.

On the other hand, if your garlic burns while sautéing, it can ruin the flavor of the dish. To fix this, lower the heat and consider adding the garlic after the butter has melted and the shrimp are in the pan. This prevents the garlic from cooking too fast and provides a balanced flavor throughout the dish.

Scaling The Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs. If cooking for a crowd, simply multiply the ingredients proportionally. For instance, a pound of shrimp feeds about four people, so if you double the shrimp, be sure to adjust the amount of garlic and butter too; about 8 tablespoons of butter should suffice for 2 pounds of shrimp while still allowing the garlic flavor to shine.

If you're making a smaller batch, you can use ½ pound of shrimp, reducing the other ingredients accordingly. Remember that cooking times may slightly vary based on the size of your shrimp or the quantity in the pan; just be mindful to keep them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque throughout, usually about 2-3 minutes per side.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and veggies ahead and cook them just before serving.