Easy 20-Minute Cowboy Butter Shrimp
Meet your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp—Cowboy Butter Shrimp! This 20-minute dish combines juicy, succulent shrimp with a rich, zesty butter sauce that’s loaded with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a quick seafood dinner, this dish is packed with savory flavor that hits all the right notes.
Serve it over cauliflower rice, alongside a crisp salad, or with a slice of your favorite low-carb bread to soak up that cowboy butter sauce. It’s quick, healthy, and ridiculously delicious—let’s get to it!
About This Recipe
This isn’t your average garlic butter shrimp recipe—it’s Cowboy Butter Shrimp taken to the next level. The shrimp are seasoned and seared to perfection before being bathed in a zesty butter sauce that’s bursting with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and just the right amount of heat from red pepper flakes.
The cowboy butter mixture comes together in a snap, layering flavors of garlic, Dijon mustard, and paprika for a sauce that’s versatile, indulgent, and completely irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is simple enough to make any day of the week, but fancy enough to impress at a dinner party.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s easy and quick — ideal for busy weeknights.
- The cowboy butter sauce is a savory blend of garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs that takes the shrimp to the next level.
- Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a light, keto-friendly dinner.
- Pair with crusty bread, lemon wedges, or even roasted vegetables for a customizable meal.
- The rich flavor and beautiful presentation make this dish feel like a special treat.
Key Ingredients
- Wild Shrimp: Look for large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp is always ideal, but frozen works too—just thaw under cold water before cooking.
- Butter: The star of the cowboy butter sauce, it creates a luxurious, rich flavor that ties the dish together. Use unsalted butter for more control over the seasoning.
- Garlic: You can’t have a garlic butter shrimp recipe without garlic! Fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: These add a bright, zesty note to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Dijon Mustard: This adds a subtle tang and a layer of complexity to the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Red Pepper Flakes: For just the right amount of heat, sprinkle these into the sauce. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Fresh Herbs: Finely chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish, but you can also experiment with other aromatic herbs.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Swaps
- Shrimp: Swap for scallops, which cook just as quickly.
- Butter: Use ghee or a dairy-free butter substitute for a non-dairy option.
- Dijon Mustard: Replace with Worcestershire sauce or a touch of white wine for a different flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a milder heat, try smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne.
Additions
- Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini noodles, or roasted asparagus for a nutrient boost.
- Cheese: Grate a little Parmesan over the top for extra richness.
- White Wine: Add a splash of Sauvignon Blanc to the sauce for added depth.
- Spices: Experiment with a dash of cayenne or cumin for a unique twist.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Shrimp
Step 1 – Prep the Shrimp
Butterfly the shrimp and season with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2 – Sear the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook the shrimp until pink and slightly crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside.
Step 3 – Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic with paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, then whisk in butter and Dijon mustard, stirring until fully melted and combined.
Step 4 – Add Fresh Ingredients
Stir in parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5 – Plate and Serve
Drizzle the zesty butter sauce over the shrimp, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite sides.
What to Serve with this Shrimp Recipe
Don’t forget the dessert! Here are some low-carb dessert ideas to eat after enjoying this yummy recipe:
FAQs
Yes! Just thaw the shrimp under cold water and pat dry before seasoning and cooking for the best results.
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.
Store the shrimp and sauce separately in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat and warm the sauce gently.
Pair the shrimp with cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad for a low-carb option. Crusty bread is great for soaking up the sauce too!
Of course! Use more or fewer red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference. For a milder heat, swap for smoked paprika.
How to Store
To store leftovers, transfer the shrimp and sauce to separate airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm the sauce over low heat and the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking.
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Cowboy Butter Shrimp
Juicy shrimp bathed in a garlicky, flavorful butter sauce makes a delicious party starter or main meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound wild shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil, divided
- 1-2 pinches of salt
- 1-2 pinches fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive or avocado oil
- 4-5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
Instructions
- Carefully butterfly each shrimp down the middle, then add to a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, and add the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then cook the shrimp for about 90 seconds on the first side, and another 60-90 seconds on the other side.
- Make the sauce: set a new, small pan over medium heat. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of the avocado or olive oil, then add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes, oregano, and paprika. Mix well.
- Turn the pan to low heat, add in 2 tablespoons of butter with the dijon mustard and mix until butter melts (be patient, it’s worth it!). Continuously and gently stir. Add in 2 more tablespoons butter and melt, and another 2 more tablespoons of butter after that and melt on low heat. Continuously stir.
- Add in the finely-chopped parsley, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and stir. Give it a taste, and adjust as needed.
- Plate up the shrimp, top it with however much or little of the sauce as you’d like, and top with fresh parsley.
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