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Easy 20-Minute Cowboy Butter Shrimp (Quick Skillet Recipe)

Amber
Bold, buttery, garlicky shrimp in a zesty cowboy butter sauce—ready in 20 minutes. Juicy seared shrimp simmered with garlic, Dijon, lemon, herbs, and a touch of spice for a skillet dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy with weeknight effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Mixing bowl
  • Microplane or zester
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

Shrimp

  • 1 lb wild shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil divided
  • 2 pinches salt to taste
  • 2 pinches freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 4-5 cloves garlic finely minced
  • salt pinch
  • black pepper pinch
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 large lemon zest and juice

Instructions
 

  • Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with 1 tbsp oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Tip: Dry shrimp sear better.
  • Sear: Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate. Tip: They'll finish in the sauce, so don't overcook.
  • Cowboy Butter Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tsp oil and 2 tbsp butter. Stir in minced garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, chili flakes, oregano, and paprika; cook ~30 seconds to bloom spices without browning the garlic.
  • Build the Sauce: Add remaining butter and Dijon; stir until melted and smooth. Add lemon zest and juice to balance richness.
  • Finish: Return shrimp to skillet; toss 1–2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Serving ideas: Spoon over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Spice it up with extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne. Swap parsley for chives or cilantro. Use ghee for a richer, nuttier sauce.
Keyword 20-minute shrimp, cowboy butter shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, skillet shrimp