Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Serves

2–3 (or 1 very happy person)

Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cook: 8–10 minutes

Ingredients

Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• Tails on or off (your call)

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but 🔥)

• ½–1 tsp chili powder or cayenne (to taste)

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¾ tsp salt

• Optional: ½ tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning

Finish

• Fresh parsley (optional)

• Lemon wedges

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels
   (this helps them sear, not steam).

2. Add shrimp to a bowl.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix:

   • Melted butter

   • Olive oil

   • Garlic

   • Paprika, smoked paprika

   • Chili powder or cayenne

   • Onion powder, salt, pepper

   • Cajun/Old Bay if using

2. Pour sauce over shrimp.

3. Toss until shrimp are fully coated and glossy.

Cooking Method 1: Air Fryer (Fast & Juicy)

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F / 205°C.

2. Arrange shrimp in a single layer.

3. Air fry 4 minutes, shake basket.

4. Cook another 3–4 minutes until:

   • Shrimp are opaque

   • Edges are slightly charred

   • Centers are juicy

👉 Don’t overcook — shrimp turn rubbery fast.

Cooking Method 2: Skillet (Extra Saucy)

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add shrimp and all the sauce.

3. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until curled and golden.

4. Spoon garlic butter over shrimp while cooking.

Optional Oven Method

• Roast at 425°F / 220°C for 8–10 minutes, broil 1–2 minutes at the end for color.

Finish & Serve

• Sprinkle with chopped parsley

• Squeeze fresh lemon over top

• Spoon extra garlic butter from the pan on top 🤌

Serving Ideas

🔥 Over white rice, yellow rice, or orzo
🥖 With crusty bread to soak up sauce
🥗 On top of a salad
🌮 In tacos or wraps
🍝 Tossed with pasta

Flavor Variations

🧄 Extra Garlic – add roasted garlic or garlic confit
🌶 Extra Spicy – drizzle chili oil or chili crisp
🍯 Sweet Heat – add 1 tsp honey
🍋 Lemon Butter – add lemon zest to sauce

Pro Tips

• Large shrimp (16–20 count) work best

• Butter + oil prevents burning

• Always cook shrimp just until opaque