Irresistible 15-Minute Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

You know those nights when you’re starving but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when my keto garlic butter shrimp saves the day. This dish comes together in just 15 minutes – faster than takeout – and it’s packed with so much flavor, you won’t believe it’s low-carb. I’ve been making this weekly since starting keto because it’s my foolproof “emergency meal” when I need something delicious in a hurry. The combination of juicy shrimp swimming in garlicky butter with a bright splash of lemon? Absolute perfection. Even my picky kids gobble it up, and that’s saying something!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

This recipe has become my weeknight superhero for so many reasons:

• Lightning fast: Ready in 15 minutes flat – faster than waiting for delivery!
• Crazy flavorful: That garlic butter sauce? You’ll want to drink it with a spoon.
• Keto magic: Just 2g net carbs per serving fits perfectly in your macros.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably have right now.
• Endlessly versatile: Toss it over veggies, salads, or eat straight from the pan (no judgment).

It’s the kind of meal that makes eating low-carb feel like cheating – in the best possible way.

Ingredients for Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this garlicky, buttery perfection. I’m super specific about prep because it makes all the difference:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp – peeled and deveined (trust me, deveining makes them so much nicer to eat)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter – the real deal, please! Margarine just won’t give you that rich flavor
• 4 cloves garlic – minced (or crushed if you’re feeling lazy – I won’t tell!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil – helps prevent the butter from burning
• 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher, but any will work
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for those who like a little kick
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (dried works in a pinch, but fresh is best)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – about half a lemon’s worth, squeezed right before using

That’s it! Simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Now let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this – just a few basics:

• Large skillet – I use my trusty cast iron, but nonstick works great too
• Spatula – for flipping those perfect shrimp
• Cutting board – for prepping garlic and parsley

Bonus if you have a garlic press (it’s my lazy-day secret weapon), but mincing works just fine!

How to Make Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe moves fast, so have everything prepped and ready to go. I promise it’s foolproof—just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have restaurant-worthy shrimp in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Heat your olive oil in the skillet over medium heat—you want it nice and hot but not smoking. Add the shrimp in a single layer (don’t crowd them, or they’ll steam instead of sear!). Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly curled. Don’t overcook them here—they’ll finish in the sauce later. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make That Garlic Butter Magic

In the same skillet (keep all those tasty brown bits!), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. If you see it browning too fast, lower the heat. Burnt garlic is bitter, and we’re going for golden perfection!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in that luscious garlic butter. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute or so—just enough to warm everything through. Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice and parsley. That bright acidity? Game changer.

And that’s it! Serve immediately while it’s piping hot. Pro tip: Spoon extra garlic butter over the shrimp when plating—you’ll thank me later.

Tips for Perfect Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

After making this dish weekly for years, I’ve picked up some tricks to guarantee perfect results every time:

• Fresh is best: Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean—not fishy. They cook up juicier and sweeter than frozen.
• Garlic watch: Keep the heat medium-low when sautéing garlic. It should sizzle gently, not brown aggressively—30 seconds max!
• Shrimp timing: They cook in a flash—overdone shrimp turn rubbery fast. Pink and slightly curled means they’re done.
• Spice control: Start with half the red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to heat; you can always add more.
• Butter safety: Combine with olive oil to prevent burning—pure butter can go from golden to burnt in seconds.

Follow these, and you’ll nail this dish like a pro!

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient—this recipe is super flexible! Swap butter for ghee if you’re dairy-free; it adds a nutty richness that’s just as good. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen works perfectly—just thaw them overnight in the fridge. No lemons? Lime juice brings a similar zing. And if you’re out of parsley, try cilantro or chives for a fresh pop. The key is keeping it simple and flavorful!

Serving Suggestions for Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

Oh, the possibilities! I love piling this garlic butter shrimp over a mountain of cauliflower rice to soak up all that glorious sauce—it’s my go-to keto comfort food. For something lighter, zucchini noodles or a crisp side salad with lemon dressing work beautifully. Some nights, I just grab a fork and eat it straight from the pan (we’ve all been there). However you serve it, this dish makes sticking to your keto goals deliciously easy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days max. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat—microwaving makes them rubbery. Add a splash of water or broth if the butter sauce needs loosening. Honestly? It’s best fresh, but I won’t judge if you sneak a cold shrimp straight from the fridge at midnight—I’ve done it too!

Nutritional Information for Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here’s the approximate nutrition per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe), but remember – exact numbers vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Always double-check your labels if you’re tracking macros closely!

Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge (never at room temp—food safety first). Pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water in your garlic butter sauce.

Is this recipe spicy? Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add heat, but you can skip them or use just a pinch. My kids prefer it mild, so I often leave them out.

How many carbs per serving? Just 2g net carbs per generous portion—the perfect keto-friendly meal! The carbs come mostly from the garlic and lemon (and they’re totally worth it).

Can I make this ahead? It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance. Have your shrimp cleaned and garlic minced, then cook just before serving—it only takes 15 minutes!

What if I don’t have fresh parsley? No worries! Dried parsley works (use 1 tsp), or try chives, basil, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for something different.

Share Your Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Experience

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, snap a pic for Instagram (tag me!), or give it a star rating. Your feedback makes my day and helps other home cooks too. Now go enjoy that garlicky goodness!

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