Microwave Garlic Butter Shrimp - Quick 5-Minute Dinner
Garlic Shrimp
Tender shrimp tossed in garlic butter, cooked in the microwave for a fast, flavorful dinner.
Nutrition (per serving)
This Microwave Garlic Butter Shrimp is my go-to when I want something impressive yet impossibly quick. Plump shrimp get bathed in bright lemon, fragrant garlic and rich butter, then finish in the microwave so you get tender, juicy results in minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fast dinner that still feels special.
The technique is simple: toss shrimp with butter and seasonings in a microwave-safe dish, cook in short bursts and finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve it over rice, pasta, or a bed of greens for a satisfying meal that tastes like you spent a lot more time on it than you did.
Ingredients
- Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined:1 lb
- Unsalted butter:3 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced:3 pieces
- Fresh lemon juice:1 tbsp
- Lemon zest:1 tsp
- Paprika:1/4 tsp
- Salt:1/2 tsp
- Black pepper:1/4 tsp
- Red pepper flakes (optional):1/4 tsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped:2 tbsp
- Lemon wedges, for serving:2 pieces
Instructions
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If shrimp are frozen, thaw under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Place shrimp in a microwave-safe shallow dish in a single layer if possible.
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Melt butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in 15-20 second bursts, then stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp and toss gently to coat. Cover the dish loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate to trap steam.
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Microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir or flip the shrimp. Microwave again in 30-45 second bursts until shrimp are opaque and just cooked through (total cook time varies by microwave, about 2½–4 minutes).
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Let shrimp rest covered for 1 minute to finish cooking in the residual heat. Taste and adjust seasoning, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips & Notes
- Do not overcook — shrimp go from tender to rubbery quickly. Stop microwaving as soon as they turn opaque and curl.
- Use a shallow dish and single layer if possible for even cooking; if shrimp overlap, stir halfway through.
- If you want more sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of chicken broth before microwaving.
- Serve immediately over rice, pasta, crusty bread, or a simple salad for a fast, complete meal.
