Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Wine

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Wine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup dry white wine; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Highlighted under: Quick Recipes

I absolutely love making Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Wine for a delightful dinner that feels gourmet yet is super simple to prepare. The rich flavors of garlic, butter, and a splash of white wine elevate the shrimp, creating a dish that's both comforting and elegant. It's a recipe I often turn to for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy evening at home. With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking process, this dish quickly becomes a favorite in my household.

Created by

Cressida Northwood

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:37:34.423Z

Making Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Wine is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of buttery garlic sauce and fresh shrimp creates a mouthwatering dish that never fails to impress. I love how the wine enhances the flavor, making it a touch more sophisticated without any complicated techniques.

During one of my attempts, I discovered that using high-quality white wine truly makes a difference in flavor. I recommend selecting a dry variety, as it balances beautifully with the rich butter and garlic. I also like to serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor combined with creamy butter
Quick and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes
Perfectly paired with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

When making Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Wine, the quality of your shrimp can make a significant difference in the final dish. I recommend using fresh shrimp instead of frozen if possible. Fresh shrimp have a firmer texture and a sweeter flavor profile, which complements the rich garlic and buttery sauce beautifully. If you must use frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed and drained well, as excess moisture can dilute the flavors.

The choice of wine is also crucial. A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, not only enhances the dish but also balances the richness of the butter. Avoid overly sweet wines, as they can clash with the savory elements. The wine’s acidity helps to cut through the fat, adding brightness and depth, so choose one that you would also enjoy drinking.

Mastering The Sauté Technique

The sautéing process is key to infusing flavors in this dish. Make sure to melt the butter over medium heat rather than high to prevent burning before you add the garlic. Cook the garlic just until it’s fragrant, about 60 seconds—overcooking can lead to a bitter flavor. Once the garlic is added, be attentive; it should sizzle gently but not brown. If it starts coloring too soon, reduce the heat as the garlic can quickly go from perfect to unpleasant.

When adding the shrimp, it's essential to give them space in the skillet to ensure they sear properly. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of sautéing, impacting the texture. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes on each side. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp dish:

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Wine:

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Add the Wine

Pour in the white wine, allowing it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and create a nice sauce.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for added zest.

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp and a good quality dry white wine. Experiment with adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your Garlic Butter Shrimp with a light pasta dish or crusty bread is a classic choice. For a pasta accompaniment, consider using angel hair or linguine; they catch the sauce beautifully. Simply cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving a bit of the cooking water to help toss the dish together later. You can integrate the pasta with the shrimp and sauce before serving for a delightful one-pan meal.

For those looking to keep it lighter, serving the shrimp over a fresh salad can be both refreshing and satisfying. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil complements the richness of the shrimp. Adding cherry tomatoes and slices of avocado enhances the visual appeal and offers varied textures.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. Chop your garlic and parsley and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day. This way, the preparation process can be sped up when you’re ready to cook. However, I advise against making the entire dish in advance, as the shrimp are best served right after cooking to maintain their tender texture.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of white wine or broth to prevent them from drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can lead to rubbery shrimp; a gentle stovetop heat preserves their juicy goodness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.

→ What type of wine should I use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best to complement the dish.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it just before adding the shrimp.

→ What side dishes pair well?

Garlic bread or a simple salad would pair nicely with this shrimp dish.