My partner once asked me what I wanted for dinner after a long Tuesday, and without thinking, I said “something that tastes fancy but doesn’t require me to think.” That’s when I realized keto garlic butter shrimp was the answer to so many weeknight prayers. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent – like you’re treating yourself to something special – but comes together faster than ordering takeout. The butter melts into golden pools, the garlic gets fragrant and toasty, and the shrimp turn perfectly pink and tender. And the best part? You’re staying on track with your keto goals while eating something that genuinely satisfies.
This recipe is foolproof for anyone, whether you’re just getting comfortable with keto cooking or you’ve been doing this for years. Total time from start to finish is about 15 minutes, it requires minimal cooking skills, and the taste profile is rich, buttery, garlicky, and just a touch bright from lemon. You’ll get that restaurant-quality flavor without the carbs or the hefty price tag.
Why This Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Works
There’s a reason garlic butter shrimp shows up on so many menus. It’s a classic combination that never gets old. Shrimp are naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making them a perfect fit for keto. When you cook them in real butter with fresh garlic, you’re adding healthy fats that keep you full and energized. No need for breading, no heavy sauces loaded with sugar – just clean, simple ingredients that taste incredible.
I’ve made this dish at least a dozen times, and it never fails. Sometimes I serve it over cauliflower rice taco bowls for a heartier meal, or I’ll pair it with zucchini noodles if I’m craving something pasta-like. Other nights, I just eat it straight from the skillet with a fork because it’s that good on its own. If you’re looking for more low-carb inspiration, check out the keto salmon avocado bowls or the keto creamy chicken alfredo – both are fantastic for keeping things interesting.
What You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving (Optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Extra parsley
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 tsp garlic powder, though fresh tastes much better here. Ghee works instead of butter if you’re dairy-sensitive. Frozen shrimp are totally fine – just thaw them first by running under cold water for a few minutes.
How to Make Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear instead of steaming in the pan. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let it warm up for about 1 minute. You want the pan hot so the shrimp cook quickly and don’t turn rubbery.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
Add 4 tbsp of butter to the hot skillet. Let it melt and start to foam, about 30 seconds. Swirl the pan gently so the butter coats the bottom evenly.
Step 4: Add the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Don’t let it burn or it’ll taste bitter.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook without moving them for 2 minutes. The bottoms should turn pink and slightly golden. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re opaque and cooked through. Shrimp cook fast, so watch them closely.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon
Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and toss everything together. The lemon brightens up the richness of the butter and adds a fresh zing.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Details
Servings: 3-4
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (5 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Equipment Needed: Large skillet, spatula, knife, cutting board
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp
Don’t overcook the shrimp. They’re done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp get tough and chewy, which nobody wants. If you’re unsure, pull one out and cut it in half – it should be white all the way through with no gray translucent parts.
Use fresh garlic if you can. The flavor is so much brighter and more aromatic than jarred minced garlic or garlic powder. I usually keep a whole head of garlic in my pantry just for recipes like this.
If you want to make this feel more like the garlic butter shrimp pasta you’d get at a restaurant, toss it with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Both are keto-friendly and soak up that buttery garlic sauce beautifully. You could also serve it over spaghetti squash pad thai for a fun fusion twist.
Add extra butter if you want more sauce. Sometimes I’ll throw in an extra tablespoon at the end just to have more of that golden, garlicky goodness to spoon over my cauliflower rice.
Variations to Try
If you’re in the mood to experiment, here are a few ways to change things up:
Spicy Cajun Version: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking. It gives a smoky, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with butter.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream after cooking the shrimp. Let it simmer for 1 minute to thicken slightly. This turns it into a richer, more indulgent dish similar to the creamy garlic mushroom pork chops.
Herb-Loaded: Add fresh thyme, basil, or dill along with the parsley. Fresh herbs make everything taste brighter and more restaurant-quality.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers: Thread the raw seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill them for 2-3 minutes per side. Brush with the garlic butter while they cook. Great for summer cookouts.
What to Serve with Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp
This dish is versatile and pairs well with so many sides. Here are my go-to options:
Cauliflower rice is the easiest choice. It soaks up all that buttery sauce and keeps the meal keto-friendly. You can find a great version in the cauliflower rice taco bowls recipe.
Zucchini noodles are another winner. Spiralize a couple of zucchinis, sauté them for 2-3 minutes in a little olive oil, and top with the shrimp. It feels like you’re eating pasta without any of the carbs.
A simple green salad with olive oil and lemon dressing is perfect if you want something light. The freshness balances out the richness of the butter.
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add some color and crunch to your plate. Just toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
If you’re not strict keto and want something more filling, you could serve this over regular pasta. It’s basically a simplified version of garlic butter shrimp pasta, and it’s delicious that way too.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The shrimp will firm up a bit when cold, but they’re still tasty.
To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a small pat of butter to keep things moist. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Don’t use high heat or the microwave – both will make the shrimp rubbery.
You can also eat the leftovers cold over a salad. I’ve done this for lunch more times than I can count, and it’s honestly one of my favorite ways to enjoy them.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This butter garlic shrimp recipe hits all the right notes. It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight, fancy enough to serve to guests, and so flavorful you won’t believe it’s keto. The shrimp stay tender and juicy, the garlic gets mellow and sweet in the butter, and that squeeze of lemon at the end ties everything together.
If you’re looking for more quick and satisfying keto meals, I highly recommend trying the 20-minute garlic butter shrimp or the garlic butter steak bites. Both have that same rich, savory vibe and come together in a flash. For something with a bit more variety, the 15-minute lemon pepper salmon is another fantastic low-carb option.
I think what I love most about this recipe is how it proves that eating keto doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. You’re not eating bland chicken breast or sad salads. You’re eating real, delicious food that happens to fit your goals. And honestly? That’s the kind of cooking that makes sticking to any plan feel less like a chore and more like a choice you’re genuinely happy to make.
Give this keto garlic butter shrimp a try the next time you need dinner fast. I have a feeling it’ll become one of those recipes you come back to again and again.
