Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Olives

There’s something magical about the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot pan, especially when garlic and butter are involved. This Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Olives recipe is the kind of dish that pulls everyone to the kitchen, driven by the irresistible aroma of golden garlic and savory seafood. It’s buttery, briny, and bright — a quick yet elegant dish that feels like a seaside dinner, even if you’re nowhere near the coast.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a late-summer craving for something simple but luxurious. I had shrimp in the freezer, a knob of butter softening on the counter, and a bowl of briny olives begging to be used. One pan and ten minutes later, dinner was served. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up without planning, yet it always feels special. The way the garlic perfumes the butter, the shrimp curls up tender and pink, and the olives add that briny pop — it’s comfort and class in one skillet.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While garlic butter shrimp is a universal crowd-pleaser, this version leans into Mediterranean flavors. The combination of olives and seafood is especially popular along the coastal regions of Spain, Greece, and Italy. Olives bring a salty, fermented depth that complements the sweetness of shrimp beautifully. Dishes like this one often show up as tapas or mezze, meant to be shared and savored with good company and crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Olives

This dish is full of personality and flair, yet it’s a breeze to pull together. Here’s why it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation:

Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with toasted bread for dipping. It also works as a hearty appetizer.

Budget-Friendly: Shrimp cooks quickly and goes a long way when paired with pantry staples like butter and olives.

Quick and Easy: One pan, ten minutes, and dinner is ready. Perfect for weeknights.

Customizable: Add chili flakes for heat, lemon for brightness, or swap in capers for an extra punch.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s got bold flavors, tender shrimp, and a buttery base. What’s not to love?

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the ingredients in advance and cook them up fresh in just minutes.

Great for Leftovers: Leftovers reheat well and can be tossed into pasta or served cold over a salad.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make the most out of this stunning dish, keep these tips in your back pocket:

• Dry your shrimp before cooking to get a better sear and avoid a watery sauce.
• Use high-quality butter for rich, nutty flavor — it makes all the difference.
• Don’t overcook the garlic. You want it golden and fragrant, not burnt.
• Add the olives last to preserve their texture and tang.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a pop of color and freshness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make this dish, just a few kitchen basics:

Large Skillet: For sautéing everything evenly and quickly.

Tongs or Spatula: To flip the shrimp without tearing them.

Microplane or Garlic Press: To get that garlic finely minced.

Serving Dish: A shallow bowl or platter makes it perfect for serving with bread.

Ingredients in Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Olives

This dish relies on a beautiful balance of fresh and pantry ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined): 1 pound – The star of the dish, tender and quick-cooking.
2. Garlic (minced): 5 cloves – Infuses the butter with that unmistakable aroma and warmth.
3. Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons – Creates the rich, silky base of the sauce.
4. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds richness.
5. Mixed Olives (green and black, pitted): ½ cup – Adds briny, salty bursts that contrast beautifully with the butter.
6. Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons – Brightens the whole dish and balances the fat.
7. Fresh Parsley (chopped): 2 tablespoons – For garnish and a pop of color.
8. Salt and Black Pepper: to taste – Essential for seasoning.
9. Red Pepper Flakes (optional): ¼ teaspoon – For a gentle kick of heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to tweak the ingredients? Here are some easy swaps:

Shrimp: Substitute with scallops or chunks of firm white fish.

Butter: Use ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Olive Oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

Mixed Olives: Try using capers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different kind of tang.

Lemon Juice: A splash of white wine vinegar can give similar acidity.

Parsley: Use basil or oregano instead for a different herb note.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp: These delicate morsels cook in minutes and soak up the buttery, garlicky goodness like sponges. Their slight sweetness balances out the savory sauce.

Olives: Salty, firm, and full of umami, olives provide contrast in both flavor and texture. Choose a mix of green and black for variety.

Instructions for Making Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Olives

This is a dish that comes together quickly and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it warm up.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Add the minced garlic to the oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Once the butter is melted and bubbling slightly, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Stir in the olives and lemon juice. Toss everything to coat well.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Let everything simmer for another minute so the flavors meld together and the olives warm through.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve hot with crusty bread, over rice, or twirled into pasta for a full meal.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish thrives on contrasts. The shrimp are juicy and tender, the garlic butter is smooth and savory, and the olives offer firm, salty bursts. A splash of lemon cuts through the richness, while fresh parsley adds brightness. Together, it creates a layered bite that’s deeply satisfying.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few extra ways to make sure your dish sings:

• Use wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or the shrimp will steam instead of sear.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle depth.
• Deglaze with a splash of lemon juice if anything sticks to the pan.

What to Avoid

Some common mistakes can easily be avoided:

• Overcooking the shrimp: They cook fast. Take them off the heat as soon as they’re opaque.
• Burning the garlic: Lower the heat if it starts browning too quickly.
• Using low-quality butter: This is a flavor-forward dish, so the ingredients really matter.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 310

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead by peeling the shrimp, mincing the garlic, and pitting the olives. Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or lemon juice. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of shrimp can change.

How to Serve Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Olives

This dish is fantastic over buttered noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple rice pilaf. It also works as a fancy appetizer served with toothpicks and a glass of sparkling water or lemonade. Add a green salad on the side to complete the meal.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let those flavorful leftovers go to waste. Try these ideas:

• Toss with pasta and a handful of arugula.
• Add to a warm grain bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies.
• Pile into lettuce wraps for a light lunch.
• Mix into scrambled eggs or an omelet for brunch.

Additional Tips

To keep the flavors fresh and bold:

• Squeeze extra lemon juice before serving for brightness.
• Garnish with lemon zest or shaved parmesan.
• Keep your shrimp tails on for more flavor during cooking (just remove before serving if preferred).

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters, and this dish is already halfway there. Serve it in a wide, shallow bowl so the shrimp and olives are clearly visible. Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving and place a few lemon wedges on the side. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds a finishing shine.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add chopped chili or cayenne for a fiery twist.
• Tomato Butter Version: Stir in cherry tomatoes and a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper sauce.
• Lemon Herb: Use lemon zest, thyme, and basil for a lighter, herbaceous flavor.
• Spanish-Inspired: Add smoked paprika and serve with crusty country bread.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Add a splash of cream and a sprinkle of parmesan for richness.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry completely before cooking.

Q2: Can I use only green or black olives?

Absolutely. Just choose your favorite, or whatever you have on hand.

Q3: How can I make it less buttery?

Use half the butter and replace the rest with extra olive oil.

Q4: Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, just skip the red pepper flakes if they’re sensitive to spice.

Q5: What type of shrimp works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp work great, peeled and deveined.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Sure! Try adding baby spinach or cherry tomatoes in the last minute of cooking.

Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter for a vegan alternative or use more olive oil.

Q8: What sides go best with it?

Crusty bread, rice pilaf, pasta, or a fresh salad are all great.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure not to overcrowd your pan. Cook in batches if needed.

Q10: How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Olives is that kind of dish you come back to again and again. It’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, it delivers every time. Trust me, you’re going to love this — every briny, buttery, garlicky bite.

Print