What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large shrimp work best , such as 16/20 or 21/25 count. Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and are easier to overcook, while very large shrimp can overpower the garlic butter coating.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, it has a gentle heat . You can skip the cayenne completely for a mild version or add more if you like it spicier. Serving it with rice also helps mellow the heat.

Can I make this ahead of time, and how do I store and reheat it?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh , but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through, adding a small pat of butter if needed. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can turn rubbery.

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp (Easy 15-Minute One-Pan Dinner)

Name: Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp (Easy 15-Minute One-Pan Dinner)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined, patted very dry; 3 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, plus more as needed; 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 1 heaping tablespoon); ¾ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika); ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon sugar; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional; Cooked rice, for serving; Fresh parsley and lemon wedges, optional, for garnish

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp (Easy 15-Minute One-Pan Dinner)

Spicy garlic butter shrimp garnished with chopped parsley in a skillet.

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Spicy garlic butter shrimp inspired by seafood boil flavors. A fast, one-pan dinner perfectly portioned for two and ready in 15 minutes.

Author: George
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined, patted very dry
3 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, plus more as needed
4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 1 heaping tablespoon)
¾ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon sugar
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Cooked rice, for serving
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

Prep the shrimp
Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels so they sear properly instead of steaming.
Mix the seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the Old Bay, lemon pepper, paprika, onion powder, sugar, and cayenne if using. Set aside.
Sear the shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and let it melt, then immediately add the shrimp before the butter browns. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 1 to 1½ minutes, until the bottoms turn lightly pink.
Flip and season
Flip the shrimp, then add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, the minced garlic, and the prepared seasoning mixture. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring gently, until the shrimp are opaque and just cooked through and the garlic smells fragrant.
Butter finish
Remove the skillet from the heat. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and toss to coat. The residual heat will melt the butter and create a light, glossy sauce.
Serve
Serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Frozen shrimp: Thaw completely and pat very dry before cooking.
Butter adjustment: Add more butter at the end if you want extra richness for spooning over rice.
Shrimp doneness: Shrimp should curl into a gentle “C.” Tight “O” shapes mean they are overcooked.
Spice level: Skip the cayenne for mild or add more if you like it spicier.

Find it online: https://www.myeclecticbites.com/spicy-garlic-butter-shrimp/