I
Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp in a Cast Iron Skillet (Step-by-Step, Detailed Guide)
This is a restaurant-quality dish you can make in under 30 minutes. Cooking shrimp in a cast iron skillet gives you intense heat, beautiful sear, and that dramatic sizzling garlic-butter aroma.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
Main
-
1 ½ lbs (680g) large or jumbo shrimp (peeled & deveined, tails on or off)
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
6–8 cloves garlic (minced very finely)
-
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but recommended)
-
Salt (to taste)
-
Freshly ground black pepper
-
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
-
Zest of ½ lemon
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Add-Ons
-
¼ cup white wine (for deglazing)
-
1 tablespoon honey (for slight sweetness)
-
2 tablespoons heavy cream (for a richer sauce)
-
Grated Parmesan (for serving)
-
Crusty bread or pasta for serving
🦐 Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp Properly
-
Thaw (if frozen):
Place shrimp in a colander under cold running water for 5–7 minutes.
Pat completely dry with paper towels. -
Dry Thoroughly (VERY Important):
Moisture prevents searing. Press gently with paper towels until shrimp surface is dry. -
Season:
Sprinkle shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
🔥 Step 2: Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet
-
Place your cast iron skillet on medium-high heat.
-
Let it heat for 3–5 minutes.
-
Add olive oil.
-
Wait until oil shimmers and lightly smokes.
👉 Proper preheating ensures a golden crust instead of steaming.
🧄 Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
-
Place shrimp in a single layer.
-
Do NOT overcrowd the pan.
-
Cook undisturbed for 1½–2 minutes.
You’re looking for:
-
Pink color forming from bottom up
-
Golden sear on underside
-
Slight curl forming
-
Flip shrimp.
-
Cook another 1–2 minutes.
⚠️ Do NOT overcook. Shrimp cook very fast and become rubbery.
Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
🧈 Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
LOOK NEXT
