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ChineseNon-veg

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Plump shrimp tossed with garlic and white pepper.

12 min3 serveseasy

Garlic Butter Shrimp is a classic protein-forward Chinese recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 12 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 12 minutes without much fuss. The method leans on high-heat searing, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.

The headline ingredients here are shrimp, garlic and butter. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: if seafood is hard to find, firm white fish or even firm tofu can stand in.

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Nutrition · per servingestimated

145

kcal

14g

Protein

7g

Carbs

6g

Fat

quickhigh-protein

Ingredients

  • shrimp500 g
  • garlic6 cloves
  • butter2 tbsp
  • soy sauce1 tbsp
  • white pepper0.5 tsp
  • scallion2
  • oilstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~4 min

    Sear shrimp in hot oil 1 minute per side; remove.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~4 min

    Melt butter, sizzle minced garlic.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~4 min

    Return shrimp with soy and pepper; toss with scallions.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 12 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Butter Shrimp take to cook?
From prep to plate, Garlic Butter Shrimp takes about 12 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Garlic Butter Shrimp vegetarian?
No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (shrimp, garlic, butter). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
What are the key ingredients in Garlic Butter Shrimp?
The headline ingredients are shrimp, garlic, butter. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs naturally with classic chinese sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.