If you’re looking for a recipe that’s utterly irresistible, ready in minutes, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Garlic Shrimp is about to become your go-to favorite. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp bathed in golden olive oil, fragrant sliced garlic, and a hint of smoky paprika—simple, fast, yet simply unforgettable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Bold Flavor: The combination of garlic, olive oil, and paprika transforms simple shrimp into a truly mouthwatering dish.
Ready in 10 Minutes: Yes, really! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: You only need a handful of pantry basics, yet every bite tastes restaurant-worthy.
Customizable Heat: Control the spice level to your liking—from a gentle warmth to a spicy kick!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Every component in this Garlic Shrimp recipe is chosen for a reason—from juicy shrimp that soak up all the flavors, to bright, fresh parsley and olive oil for depth. Each one is simple on its own, but together they create pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Large shrimp (peeled & deveined): The star of the show! Go for fresh or frozen; just make sure they’re peeled for easy eating and even cooking.
Garlic (thinly sliced): Using sliced cloves instead of minced adds lovely sweetness and toasty flavor without bitterness.
Extra virgin olive oil: A fruity, high-quality oil builds a rich, aromatic base for sautéing the shrimp and garlic.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Sprinkle as much or as little as you like for a subtle glow or a fiery pop of heat.
Sweet Spanish paprika: This brings gentle warmth, vibrant color, and the signature smoky undertone.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch draws out all those shrimp juices and helps every ingredient sing.
Parsley (chopped): Fresh parsley tastes bright and grassy, giving a perfect finish and a pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Garlic Shrimp recipe is endlessly flexible, so you can truly make it your own. Whether you’re catering to different tastes, dietary needs, or just raiding your pantry, you have plenty of easy ways to get creative—don’t be afraid to experiment!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice right before serving for a zesty, refreshing finish.
Spicy Cajun Twist: Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning and add a dash of black pepper for Southern-inspired flair.
Garlic Shrimp with White Wine: Add a splash of dry white wine after the garlic sizzles—it deepens the sauce and infuses gorgeous flavor.
Butter Upgrade: Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for velvety richness and an ultra-luxurious sauce.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Set a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Let the garlic gently sizzle and turn golden, stirring often—this brings out its sweet, nutty flavor and infuses the oil with a subtle heat. Keep a close eye here—golden is good, but burnt garlic is bitter!

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Once that garlicky aroma fills the kitchen, add your shrimp. Dust them with paprika and a pinch of kosher salt, then toss everything to coat. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. You want them juicy, so avoid overcooking—shrimp cook fast!

Step 3: Add Parsley and Serve

Right before serving, shower the shrimp with plenty of fresh parsley. This adds a burst of color and a clean, slightly peppery flavor that balances all that rich garlic oil. Divide the Garlic Shrimp among plates and get ready to devour—don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up every drop!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Shrimp

Slice, Don’t Mince, the Garlic: Slicing creates sweet, golden chips that perfume the oil without burning, giving the shrimp an aromatic boost and beautiful flavor layers.
Streamline with Prepped Shrimp: Using already peeled and deveined shrimp saves precious minutes and ensures the whole dish comes together mess-free.
Watch the Heat: Medium heat is your friend! Too hot and the garlic will scorch; too cool and the shrimp won’t get that gorgeous color.
Finish with Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle the parsley just before serving so it stays bright and fresh—never dull or wilted!

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy finish, I love to sprinkle extra chopped parsley over Garlic Shrimp and add a wedge of lemon on the side. If you want to take it up a notch, a dusting of flaky sea salt or a pinch of smoked paprika looks gorgeous and bursts with flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe is made for dipping, so serve your Garlic Shrimp with warm, crusty bread or toasted baguette slices. It’s also delicious tossed with angel hair pasta, over rice, or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Garlic Shrimp tapas-style on small plates, or spoon them into lettuce cups for a fresh twist. For parties, thread a few shrimp onto skewers and serve with the garlicky pan sauce for dunking—guests will be wowed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Garlic Shrimp left (hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to keep all that garlicky oil, as it keeps everything moist and delicious.

Freezing

While possible, freezing Garlic Shrimp isn’t ideal—the shrimp can lose their tender texture. If you must freeze, do so in a well-sealed container for up to a month, and thaw them slowly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Overcooking will make them chewy, so just a minute or two is plenty—they’ll taste wonderfully fresh!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking—this ensures they get a lovely sear and don’t water down the sauce.
Is it possible to make Garlic Shrimp less spicy?

Yes. Feel free to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version. The garlic and paprika still shine through beautifully!
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep your skillet at medium heat, stir the garlic constantly, and pull it off the heat as soon as it turns golden—it keeps those wonderful flavors and avoids bitterness.
Can I double this Garlic Shrimp recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure not to crowd the pan—cook the shrimp in batches if needed so they sear and don’t steam.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about sharing Garlic Shrimp—maybe it’s the way it perfumes your kitchen, or the fact that you can have something so delicious on the table in no time. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become your new “little black dress” of weeknight dinners. Enjoy every garlicky bite!