Garlic Shrimpis a savory skillet dish packed with great flavor. Marinade the shrimp in some oil and spices then cook on a stovetop or grill and you have dinner in minutes.

Several cooked garlic shrimp on top of white rice and next to some steamed broccoli.

When you’re in a rut with making dinner, cue the Garlic Shrimp! Incorporating shrimp into a meal feels exciting and different. My family devours anything with shrimp and it helps break the dinner monotony.

You can make Garlic Shrimp as fancy or simple as you would like. It’s perfect paired with almost any side – make someRice in an Instant PotorPesto Pastaand add aChef SaladorRoasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower.

Seven cooked garlic shrimp on top of white rice next to some steamed broccoli florets on a light grey plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’squick and easymaking Garlic Shrimp the perfect busy weeknight meal.
Healthy mealthat doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Can be served asan appetizer or an entrée, just likeperfectly fried butterfly shrimp!
Garlic Shrimp isgluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein.

Recipe Ingredients

Shrimp:Be sure to get large, raw shrimp that have been deveined.
Olive oil
Garlic:Fresh is best in this recipe.
Sugar
Lemon juice
Chili powder
Salt

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

The ingredients to make garlic shrimp including raw shrimp on a paper towel on a baking sheet and some minced garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt each in a small clear glass bowl.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp

Step #1.Prepare the shrimp by rinsing them and patting them dry with a paper towel.
Step #2.Make the marinade and then place it and the shrimp in a zip-top resealable bag. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
Step #3.Cook on the stove or thread the shrimp on wooden skewers and cook on a hot grill for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
Step #4.Serve hot with your preferred sides.

A pan of shrimp cooking in oil and garlic.

Recipe FAQs

What type of shrimp should I buy?

I recommend buying large shrimp that’s peeled and deveined but with the tail on to make the cooking process quick.

Should I remove the shrimp tails before cooking?

You don’t need to. Removing shrimp tails is not recommended because they add a little more flavor to the dish and are more visually appealing.

Is this recipe for Garlic Shrimp gluten free?

Yes! All of the ingredients in Garlic Shrimp are gluten free but be sure to check all of the ingredients that you use. It’s also dairy-free.

How long does it take to cook shrimp?

Shrimp cook very fast. They only need about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You will know when they are cooked because they turn pinkish in color and look opaque.

Eight cooked garlic shrimp on top of white rice next to some steamed broccoli florets and there is a bowl of broccoli and a bulb of garlic and some lemon slices in the background.

Expert Tips

Do not use pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe– cooked shrimp turns rubbery when reheated. Raw shrimp will be gray in color while cooked shrimp is pink.
If you’re cooking the shrimp on the stovetop,don’t overcrowd the shrimp in the pan– it helps prevent overcooking.
If you’re cooking the shrimp on the grill,don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers in waterbefore putting the shrimp on them – it helps prevent fire.
Mincing fresh garlic is worth the bit of timebecause it gives the best flavor. I wouldn’t recommend substituting garlic powder in this recipe.