Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites

For a protein-rich snack that satisfies without weighing you down, look no further than these succulent shrimp bites. They're seared in a golden garlic butter that adds incredible flavor with minimal added fuss. That’s the magic of these Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites. They feel fancy, taste incredible, but come together with the kind of simple, straightforward steps that make sense on a busy weeknight or when you’re scrambling to put together a last-minute spread for friends.

I think we’ve all been there. The doorbell rings, the party starts in an hour, and you need something impressive that doesn’t require a culinary degree. You want those fancy appetizer recipes that make people think you spent all day in the kitchen, but you really just want to enjoy your own gathering. That’s where this recipe lives. It’s my go-to for turning a bag of frozen shrimp and a few pantry staples into the star of the snack table. The garlic butter sauce is the hero here—rich, aromatic, and clinging to every juicy bite of shrimp. It’s the kind of appetizer that disappears in minutes, with guests hovering by the tray asking for the recipe. Simple ingredients, warm memories, right? Let’s make some.

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Ingredients List

Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites start with a short, sweet list of ingredients where each one plays a crucial role. You likely have most of this in your pantry already.

• 1 pound large shrimp (31/40 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• For serving: crusty bread, baguette slices, or over cooked pasta or rice.

Smart Swaps & Notes:

• Shrimp: Frozen, thawed shrimp work perfectly here. Just pat them very dry before cooking. For a different seafood twist, this garlic butter method is fantastic with scallops or would work as a base for crab appetizer recipes.
• Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality plant-based butter.
• Wine: The wine adds a lovely depth, but chicken or vegetable broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute.
• Herbs: No fresh parsley? A teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a sprinkle of chives works in a pinch.

Timing

One of the best things about these Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites is how quickly they come together. From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes is a weeknight win.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes

That’s nearly 50% faster than many baked appetizer recipes, and all the flavor is built right in the pan. It’s the speed that makes this a contender for easy appetizer recipes Christmas Eve or a fuss-free New Year’s spread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The process for these Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites is all about building layers of flavor in one pan. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp every time.

1. Prep the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for getting a good sear instead of steaming. Season them generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.

2. Sear to Perfection

In a large skillet (I prefer cast iron or stainless steel for a great crust), melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them to a plate. They will finish cooking later.

3. Build the Legendary Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant—do not let the garlic brown or it will turn bitter. Pour in the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Toss everything together in the glorious garlic butter sauce for another minute, ensuring each shrimp is beautifully coated. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.

5. Serve Immediately

Transfer your sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites to a serving platter. Pour every last drop of that pan sauce over the top. Provide plenty of bread for dipping—it’s non-negotiable.

Nutritional Information

These Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites are a flavorful and relatively balanced choice. Per serving (approximately ¼ of the recipe):

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: ~900mg (varies with seasoning)

Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein and selenium. Using real butter provides richness and helps create that irresistible sauce, while the garlic and lemon offer antioxidants and bright flavor. For a lighter version, see the swaps below.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any special gadgets for these Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites. A regular kitchen setup does the trick:

• A Large Skillet: Cast iron, stainless steel, or a heavy non-stick pan. You need a pan that gets and stays hot.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For mincing garlic and parsley.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: For flipping the shrimp.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups.
• Juicer (optional): For the lemon juice.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for drying the shrimp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites check every box for a perfect home cook recipe.

1. Unbeatable Flavor in Minutes: The garlic butter sauce is restaurant-quality but made in your own pan in less than 10 minutes.
2. Impressively Easy: It looks and tastes like a gourmet fancy appetizer recipe but requires zero complicated techniques.
3. Endlessly Adaptable: Serve them as bites on toothpicks, over pasta for a quick dinner, or on a crostini. They fit any occasion.
4. Pantry-Friendly: Aside from the shrimp, the ingredients are staples you likely already have.
5. Crowd-Pleasing: This is a universal winner. From kids to foodie friends, everyone goes back for more.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to lighten up these Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites? Here are some easy tweaks that keep the spirit of the dish intact.

• Lower Fat: Swap half the butter for olive oil or use a light butter alternative.
• Lower Sodium: Use a low-sodium broth instead of wine and be mindful of added salt. Rely more on the garlic, paprika, and lemon for flavor.
• Keto/Low-Carb: Serve the shrimp bites on a bed of zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice instead of bread or pasta. Ensure your wine or broth is sugar-free.
• Dairy-Free: As mentioned, a good vegan butter works beautifully here.
• Extra Veggies: Sauté a handful of spinach in the sauce after the garlic, or add some diced bell peppers with the shrimp for the last minute of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of these Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites is their versatility. Here’s how to serve them for any event:

• The Classic Appetizer: Serve straight from the skillet or on a platter with a basket of warm, crusty bread or sliced baguette for sopping up the sauce. Add a lemon wedge for squeezing.
• On a Stick: For easy party eating, spear each shrimp with a decorative toothpick or small skewer. This makes them perfect alongside other bite-sized favorites like my Mini Brie Bites or Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly.
• As a Main Course: Double the recipe and serve over a bed of angel hair pasta, rice, or creamy polenta. It’s a 20-minute dinner hero.
• Party Platter Partner: These shrimp bites shine on a spread with other easy, make-ahead appetizers. Pair them with Mini Baked Potatoes for a hearty combo, or offer a contrasting flavor with something like Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites.
• Festive Twist: For appetizer recipes Christmas parties, present them in a elegant dish garnished with extra parsley and red pepper flakes for a festive green and red touch. They’re just as fitting as any other crab appetizer recipes or cheese board.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple tips will guarantee your Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites are perfect.

1. Not Drying the Shrimp: Wet shrimp will steam and boil instead of sear, resulting in a rubbery texture and no flavorful crust. Pat them thoroughly dry.
2. Crowding the Pan: If you add too many shrimp at once, the pan temperature drops and they release moisture, leading to steaming. Cook in batches for the best sear.
3. Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast. They are done as soon as they turn opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy.
4. Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks in under a minute. If it browns, it turns bitter and can ruin the whole sauce. Keep the heat at medium once you add it and stir constantly.
5. Skipping the Deglaze: Those browned bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan are pure flavor gold. Deglazing with wine or broth incorporates them into the sauce, making it infinitely more delicious.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites are best enjoyed immediately, but here’s how to handle leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave, as it can easily overcook the shrimp.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp bites, as the texture of the shrimp can become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the raw, seasoned shrimp separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Make-Ahead: You can mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and measure out all your dry seasonings ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster when you’re ready.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, that’s what we’re all looking for, right? Recipes that deliver big on flavor without demanding big chunks of our time or stress. These Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites are exactly that—a reliable, delicious, and surprisingly simple way to make any meal or gathering feel a little more special. They prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create something truly memorable. Comfort food, made easy.

I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation, whether for a quiet dinner for two or a lively party platter. If you’re looking for more quick, flavor-packed appetizer ideas, be sure to check out my Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers for another seafood favorite.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you serve these as an appetizer or a main course? What did you pair them with? Let me know how your Garlic Butter Shrimp Bites turned out in the comments below! And if you share a photo of your creation, don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack so I can see your kitchen wins. Happy cooking.

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