If you’re a fan of rich and savory seafood dishes, this seafood garlic butter sauce will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It pairs wonderfully with shrimp, crab, lobster, and more, providing a luscious, garlicky sauce that elevates any seafood meal. Whether you’re making a special dinner or a simple family meal, this sauce is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Packed with protein and fiber – Helps keep you satisfied for longer.
- Naturally sweetened – Uses honey or maple syrup in place of refined sugar.
- Quick and easy – Just mix and cook!
- Perfect for meal prep – A great option for busy evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (or any seafood of your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Directions:
- Cook the seafood: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp (or any seafood you’re using) and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Combine the seafood and sauce: Add the cooked seafood back into the pan. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer and serve: Let the seafood simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Servings and Timing:
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Variations:
- Cheesy Version: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra creamy twist.
- Spicy Garlic Butter: Add more red pepper flakes or chili oil for a bolder kick.
- Lemon Herb: Mix in additional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added freshness.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for olive oil and use plant-based seafood alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the seafood in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the seafood.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, frozen seafood works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. - Can I use this sauce with pasta?
Absolutely! This garlic butter sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, especially linguine or spaghetti. - How do I make the sauce creamier?
For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it for later use. - What other seafood can I use?
You can use crab, lobster, or scallops for a more luxurious dish. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten ingredients. - Can I make it without garlic?
Garlic is essential for the flavor, but you can substitute it with shallots for a milder taste. - How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe is mild, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more red pepper flakes or chili. - How long does it take to cook seafood?
Shrimp usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Crab and lobster may take a bit longer depending on size. - Can I freeze the seafood garlic butter sauce?
It’s best not to freeze the sauce, as the butter may separate when thawed.
Conclusion:
This Seafood Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect addition to any seafood dish. Whether you’re enjoying shrimp, lobster, or crab, the buttery, garlicky goodness of this sauce will make your meal unforgettable. Try it tonight, and indulge in the flavors of the sea!
Seafood Garlic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Seafood Garlic Butter Sauce is a luscious, garlicky sauce that pairs wonderfully with shrimp, crab, lobster, and more. Perfect for a special dinner or a simple family meal, this sauce is sure to elevate any seafood dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (or any seafood of your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the seafood: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp (or any seafood you’re using) and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Combine the seafood and sauce: Add the cooked seafood back into the pan. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer and serve: Let the seafood simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Can be paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or chili oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood, Sauce
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg