Golden Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Effortless Elegance

Easy Butter Poached Shrimp for Garlic Bliss in 20 Minutes

By Laura TideSeptember 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a restaurant worthy dish without the fuss? This Easy Butter Poached Shrimp for dinner recipe is pure gold. Think shrimp with lemon butter sauce that's ridiculously flavourful and ready in minutes.

Honestly, it's easier than ordering takeaway.

Brief Overview

Butter Poached Shrimp recipes like this have roots in classic French cuisine. It's a simple but elegant way to cook seafood.

This one's super easy , takes about 20 minutes total, and serves 4 as an appetizer or 2 as a main.

Perfect for a quick bite!

Main Benefits

The best part? This garlic butter shrimp appetizer is loaded with protein and healthy fats. It's perfect for a weeknight treat when you're feeling a bit fancy.

This recipe shines because it makes you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.

Ready to dive in?

Golden How to Poach Shrimp : Simplicity Itself

Forget complicated techniques. This shrimp scampi recipe easy method is all about gently cooking the shrimp in that luscious butter. It’s melt-in-your mouth good. Seriously!

Why You'll Crave This Weeknight Shrimp Scampi

This ain't your nan's scampi. It is way better. It is ready in a jiffy. This recipe delivers a massive flavour punch with hardly any work.

Trust me, the Easy Butter sauce is addictive, and it is perfect when you want to throw together something special that tastes like you have spend ages on it.

What Makes This Shrimp Dish Special?

It's all about the gentle poaching. This keeps the shrimp incredibly tender. We’re talking restaurant quality texture from your very own kitchen.

Serve over linguine or mop it up with crusty bread. Just like we do with our gravy after a proper Sunday roast deserves a Yorkshire pudding.

Want to turn the flavour up a notch? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless! So go on, give this recipe a whirl, and prepare to be amazed!

Quick and Easy Shrimp Recipes for Dinner

Tired of boring dinners? These Quick Shrimp Dinner Recipes are the solution. You’ll be able to easily add these amazing shrimp to your weekly meal plans, knowing it will be a hit with the family.

Get ready to ditch the takeout menus and have some amazing food.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Shrimp Scampi Recipe Easy Key

Alright, let's talk about what you need to nail this Easy Butter Poached Shrimp dish. Don't worry, it's not rocket science.

You probably have most of this stuff already! We are making a Garlic Butter Shrimp Appetizer today!

Main Ingredients for The Best Butter Poached Shrimp

Here's the shopping list. I always try to get the best quality I can afford. It really makes a difference!

1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh is best. Frozen works too, just thaw them properly. I used wild caught!
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Go for the good stuff here. Kerrygold is my fave.
4 cloves garlic, minced. Minced garlic is sold in jar, but the best is when it is fresh.
1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. Totally optional! Chicken broth works fine too. Honestly, I've even used a splash of water in a pinch.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. From a real lemon, not the bottled stuff, yeah?
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley. Makes it look fancy and taste fresher.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more). I like it spicy, like a proper Vindaloo.
Salt and pepper, to taste. Duh.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret to Flavor Town

This isn't just about butter and shrimp. It's about flavor , darling!

Garlic and red pepper flakes are the key. It's the classic Italian vibe.
Lemon juice brightens everything up. You know? Adds a bit of zing.
Parsley adds a fresh, herby note. Perfect for a Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce .
Try a pinch of dried oregano or basil. It can gives it an extra kick.

Equipment Needed for A Quick Shrimp Dinner Recipes

Don't need much!

Large skillet or sauté pan. Non-stick is your friend.
Tongs or slotted spoon. For wrangling those shrimp.

That's it! You're all set to make this Weeknight Shrimp Scampi . Honestly, it is one of the Easy Shrimp Recipes for Dinner ! It's seriously one of my go-to's when I'm short on time.

How To Poach Shrimp is very easy.

Golden Garlic Butter Shrimp Goodness

Ever find yourself craving something fancy but proper knackered? This Easy Butter Poached Shrimp recipe is your answer. Honestly, this shrimp scampi recipe easy will make you feel like a Michelin star chef, even if your culinary skills peak at beans on toast.

It’s perfect as a garlic butter shrimp appetizer or a super quick shrimp dinner recipes for a weeknight shrimp scampi feast.

The best part? The flavour is incredible. Think plump shrimp swimming in shrimp with lemon butter sauce .

Prep Like a Pro

Before we dive in, let’s get organised. This is all about the mise en place, innit? Peel and devein 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp.

Mince up 4 cloves of garlic, chop 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, and cube 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter. Job's a good'un.

Having everything ready before you start cooking saves time and makes the whole process dead easy. Safety wise, just be mindful of hot butter and pans, yeah?

How To Poach Shrimp – step-by-step

Melt 1/2 cup (115g) butter in a large skillet over medium low heat . Don't let it brown!
Add 4 cloves minced garlic, cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Oh my gosh, it smells amazing!
Optional : Deglaze with 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine. Let it simmer a bit.
Stir in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Give it a bit of a kick!
Add 1 pound (450g) shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Visual Cue : They should curl up nicely, like little shrimp C shapes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1/4 cup (15g) chopped parsley.
Serve immediately and bask in the glory of your easy shrimp recipes for dinner .

Pro Tips for Butter Poached Shrimp Perfection

Want to take your poached shrimp to the next level? A top tip is to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery, and nobody wants that.

Also, use good quality butter it makes a huge difference! Dry your shrimp before adding them to the pan.

This helps the butter absorb the Easy Butter well rather than steaming them. If you're prepping ahead, you can make the butter sauce in advance.

Then, just poach the shrimp when you're ready to serve. It is such an Easy Shrimp Recipes for Dinner .

Recipe Notes That Elevate Your Easy Butter Poached Shrimp for Dinner

Right then, let's dive into some top tips. Honestly, these are what make this Easy Butter Poached Shrimp sing . We are talking about the little things that take it from a simple supper to something special.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Good, Mate!

Presentation matters. Pile your Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce high on a plate. Garnish it with a generous shower of fresh parsley. A lemon wedge adds zing and colour.

Serve this Garlic Butter Shrimp Appetizer over linguine. This transforms it into a proper Weeknight Shrimp Scampi . Got some crusty bread? Oh my gosh, dunking it into that butter poached shrimp sauce is heaven.

A crisp green salad balances the richness beautifully.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh, Innits?

Got leftovers? Pop the poached shrimp in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing isn't ideal. The shrimp can become a bit rubbery. Reheat it gently in a pan over low heat. Don't overcook or it'll be tougher than a builder's tea.

Variations: Putting Your Own Spin On It

Fancy a bit of spice? Add extra red pepper flakes. Seriously, who doesn't love a kick? For a lighter version, use half butter and half olive oil.

If you're going dairy-free, try using a plant based butter substitute. Just be aware it might affect the taste slightly. Seasonal swaps? In summer, add some grilled courgette ribbons for extra fresh Easy Shrimp Recipes for Dinner experience.

Nutrition Basics: Good For You, Too!

Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein. A serving of this dish is a good source of healthy fats from the butter.

This dish is relatively low in carbs. So, if you are looking for Quick Shrimp Dinner Recipes this might be it.

It's all about moderation, isn't it?

Alright, there you have it. Everything you need to make How To Poach Shrimp to perfection. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Cooking should be fun, not a chore!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Easy Butter Poached Shrimp for a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily. Just multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need, making sure to use a large enough skillet (or cook in batches) so the shrimp aren't crowded. Think of it as scaling up your Sunday roast - just more butter and less washing up!

Help! My butter is browning when I try to melt it. What am I doing wrong?

Browning butter can happen quickly! Make sure you're using medium low heat you want a gentle melt, not a sizzle. If it starts to brown, immediately remove the pan from the heat for a few seconds before returning it. Think of it like making a delicate cup of tea patience is key!

What's the best way to store leftover Easy Butter Poached Shrimp for later?

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery - nobody wants shrimp that tastes like an old tire!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Butter Poached Shrimp recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly well! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the butter; this helps them to poach properly rather than steam. This will ensure you get that lovely, buttery finish, just like the chippy does with their fish!

Is there a healthier way to make Easy Butter Poached Shrimp for if I'm watching my calories?

While butter is delicious, you can reduce the fat content by using a combination of olive oil and butter. You could also use a butter substitute, though the flavor might be slightly different.

Consider serving with a large salad or vegetable side dish to balance out the richness a bit like having peas with your fish and chips to pretend you're being healthy!

I don't have white wine, what else can I use when making Easy Butter Poached Shrimp for dinner?

No wine, no worries! Chicken broth or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes. You could also simply add a splash more lemon juice for acidity. It's like substituting Tetley's with Yorkshire Tea similar but with a slight twist!