Simple Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Name: Simple Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1.5 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; salt to taste; 6 cloves garlic, finely minced; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon caper brine; 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 4 equal pieces, divided; 0.33333334326744 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided; 1 teaspoon water, or as needed

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt to taste
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon caper brine
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 4 equal pieces, divided
cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
1 teaspoon water, or as needed

Directions

Gather all ingredients.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke. Add the shrimp in an even layer at the bottom of the pan and cook for 1 minute without stirring.
Season the shrimp with salt. Continue cooking and stirring until the shrimp start to turn pink, which will take about 1 minute.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Cook and stir for another minute.
Stir in the lemon juice, caper brine, 1 piece of butter, and half of the chopped parsley. Cook until the butter has melted, about 1 minute.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the remaining 3 pieces of butter. Continue cooking and stirring until the butter is fully melted, the sauce has thickened, and the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a bowl. Keep cooking the butter sauce, adding water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if the sauce becomes too thick. Cook for about 2 minutes more.
Season the sauce with salt to taste, then serve the shrimp topped with the pan sauce and the remaining parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Calories: 196
Total Fat: 12g (15% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (24% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 188mg (63% Daily Value)
Sodium: 244mg (11% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 3g (1% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 19g (38% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 15mg (17% Daily Value)
Calcium: 53mg (4% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (18% Daily Value)
Potassium: 226mg (5% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Simple Garlic Shrimp Recipe

by Chef John

Origin and History of Garlic Shrimp

Garlic shrimp is a classic dish that combines the rich flavors of succulent shrimp with the aromatic power of garlic, a pairing that has roots in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines. Its origins are often debated, but it is widely believed to have evolved in coastal regions where shrimp and seafood are staples of the local diet. Dishes featuring garlic and shrimp can be traced back to the cuisines of Spain, Italy, and the Caribbean, each adding its unique twist with varying ingredients like herbs, wine, and citrus.

Regional Variations

While the base ingredients for garlic shrimp remain similar, there are regional variations that showcase different culinary traditions. In Spain, for instance, the dish is often made with a generous amount of olive oil, garlic, and a dash of Spanish paprika, which adds a smoky flavor. In Latin American countries, especially in the Caribbean, you may find the addition of citrus fruits like lime or orange to brighten the dish. In the American South, garlic shrimp might be served with grits or over rice, offering a comforting and hearty meal.

How Simple Garlic Shrimp Differs from Similar Dishes

While garlic shrimp shares commonalities with other seafood dishes like garlic butter shrimp or shrimp scampi, it stands out due to its simplicity and the emphasis on fresh, bold flavors. Unlike shrimp scampi, which often includes white wine or heavy butter sauces, this dish focuses on a more straightforward approach, allowing the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through with minimal seasoning. The inclusion of caper brine adds an interesting depth of flavor, differentiating it from other garlic-based shrimp recipes.

Where Is Simple Garlic Shrimp Typically Served?

Simple garlic shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of settings, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties. In the U.S., it is commonly served over pasta, such as angel hair or linguine, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the rich, buttery sauce. In Mediterranean countries, the dish is often part of a tapas spread or served with rice. Its a popular choice at seafood restaurants and is frequently featured as an appetizer or main dish, especially in coastal regions.

Interesting Facts About Garlic Shrimp

Did you know that garlic has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties? Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, recognized garlics ability to fight off infections and promote overall health. The shrimp in this dish, known for being a low-calorie, high-protein food, also provides a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health. Garlic shrimp is not only delicious but can be a nutritious addition to any meal. Additionally, many variations of garlic shrimp are known to be quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights.

FAQ about Simple Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Store leftover garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Yes, you can freeze the garlic shrimp. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stovetop.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding to the pan.

If you don't have caper brine, you can substitute with a small amount of green olive juice, white wine, or a splash of lemon juice for added acidity.

Yes, you can skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can adjust the amount of red pepper to your liking or use a different type of chili for a more specific flavor.

To prevent shrimp from overcooking, cook them only until they are pink and opaque, usually 2-3 minutes. It's helpful to remove them from the pan once cooked and finish the sauce separately to ensure they don't continue cooking in the residual heat.

This garlic shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides such as pasta (angel hair, linguini), rice (jasmine or basmati), or sautéed vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Garlic bread or a fresh salad also complement the dish well.

Yes, you can add vegetables like artichokes, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish. Just be sure to sauté them first, before adding the shrimp, to ensure they cook through.

You can use other oils such as avocado oil or canola oil, though olive oil is preferred for its flavor. If you choose a neutral oil, you may want to adjust the seasoning slightly to make up for the lack of olive oil's distinct taste.

To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them on high heat for a short amount of time. Shrimp cooks very quickly—about 2-3 minutes. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Removing them from the pan once cooked helps prevent them from becoming overdone.

Comments

Charles Baker

08/01/2022 01:47:17 PM

Delicious and easy to make. I substituted green olive juice for caper brine and received excellent feedback from everyone.

Jerry Brown

03/21/2025 02:31:06 PM

I recommend removing the shrimp once cooked and preparing the sauce separately to avoid overcooking. Smaller shrimp may finish cooking faster than the sauce, so it's important to time it right. Make sure all ingredients are prepped and measured before starting, instead of just placing containers on the counter. My husband loves this dish and gives it a perfect 5-star rating.

Kevin Clark

10/22/2024 11:03:27 PM

Excellent dish! I opted for white cooking wine instead of caper brine and mixed it with shrimp and sauce over angel hair pasta, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. It turned out very good!

Tyler Lopez

05/01/2025 12:13:22 AM

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. The addition of red pepper flakes really elevates the flavors. Even though I didn't have caper brine on hand and omitted it, the dish was still very flavorful. Big thanks to Chef John for sharing this recipe and video!

Linda Campbell

09/12/2023 09:51:23 AM

This meal was fantastic! My child usually doesn't like garlic, but they absolutely enjoyed this dish. I also included capers in the meal, not just the brine, which added an extra layer of flavor.

Eric Gomez

03/08/2023 08:15:52 AM

I only made one small adjustment by using just 1 1/2 tablespoons of cold butter instead of the full amount, as I prefer a thicker sauce to a thin one. This recipe was easy to follow and turned out great. Thanks to Chef John!

Stephen Martinez

10/18/2023 11:28:10 PM

Although I usually dislike when people modify a recipe before reviewing it, I found myself doing just that. I was in a rush and needed to whip up dinner quickly, so I used precooked shrimp for this recipe. I didn't have fresh Italian parsley, but I substituted cilantro instead. Apart from that, I followed the recipe exactly as written... well, almost! I was enjoying some white wine and decided to add a splash of it to the sauce. I served the dish over white Jasmine rice, and it turned out absolutely delicious – like something you'd expect from a 5-star restaurant! Thank you for sharing this fantastic shrimp recipe! Mmmmmm!

Patricia Gonzalez

12/04/2022 11:45:18 AM

I followed this fantastic recipe and found it to be extremely simple. I carefully prepped all the ingredients and doubled the measurements for a special Father's Day dinner. I also watched the video tutorial beforehand. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!

Timothy Lewis

09/21/2022 04:18:09 AM

This recipe was excellent! I made a couple of additions: a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce and enjoyed a lovely glass of wine while cooking. Thanks for sharing!

Sharon Robinson

05/03/2025 09:40:36 AM

The dish had an overwhelming amount of parsley and garlic for my liking, and could benefit from a touch more salt. It was just okay.

Brian Lewis

07/11/2024 03:03:17 PM

Excellent!

Dorothy Mitchell

12/26/2024 05:20:17 AM

Outstanding meal! I opted for Gulf shrimp, peeled but with the tails left on. The shells and tails truly enhanced the shrimp flavor in the dish. The addition of caper brine brought a delightful complexity - luckily, I had some readily available. I paired this with a sautéed mix of diced red bell pepper and green beans, cooked with extra garlic and butter, along with a side of orzo cooked in chicken broth. To complement the dish, I warmed up some day-old brioche in the oven wrapped in foil to prevent toasting - it turned out to be a perfect sauce absorber.

Katherine Ramirez

05/30/2025 10:47:26 PM

I included approximately 1/4 cup of white wine towards the end.

Deborah Hall

02/22/2025 06:28:35 AM

Absolutely incredible

Cynthia Taylor

04/29/2025 08:05:02 AM

My husband and I both loved this dish! It was incredibly easy to prepare. I roasted the garlic before adding the shrimp and opted for unsalted butter instead of olive oil, which helped me create a delicious sauce. We enjoyed it over Asian rice from Rice-a-Roni. I will definitely be making this again in the future. I regret not taking a picture to capture its deliciousness! Do you have any other shrimp recipe recommendations?

Virginia Wright

07/26/2024 03:30:57 AM

I craved more vegetables, so I incorporated mushrooms, green onions, and radish leaves, along with some capers. Taking into account suggestions from other reviewers, I omitted the salt. I paired it with Udon noodles, and it was a hit!

Angela Roberts

10/14/2023 09:33:50 AM

Improved upon my usual garlic and shrimp dish. Lovely taste. Enjoyed it over linguini. Mostly stuck to the recipe with a minor tweak - opted for dried parsley.

Dennis Lopez

02/04/2023 12:26:06 PM

I followed the recipe and it was incredibly easy, fast, and absolutely delicious! I paired it with angel hair pasta, sprinkled with grated parmesan, and served it alongside grilled asparagus and garlic bread. My husband recommended adding scallops next time, and I can't wait to try that suggestion! It was just so good!

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Simple Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

Origin and History of Garlic Shrimp

Regional Variations

How Simple Garlic Shrimp Differs from Similar Dishes

Where Is Simple Garlic Shrimp Typically Served?

Interesting Facts About Garlic Shrimp

FAQ about Simple Garlic Shrimp Recipe