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This skillet garlic shrimp recipe results in the BEST tender, buttery, succulent shrimp full of warm, savory, garlicky flavor. Inspired by one of my favorite meals in Costa Rica, this is a one-skillet recipe that’s quick, easy, and so tasty!
Naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free, this skillet shrimp pair well with a variety of side dishes, making busy weeknights easy.
Costa Rica-Inspired Skillet Shrimp
This year in Nosara, I took a cooking class with some of my favorite ladies and this little local spot, and I’ve been dreaming of bringing you the garlic shrimp I enjoyed almost daily alongside Costa Rican-style black beans ever since I got back.
Flavored with a quick marinade, my garlic shrimp turn out tender with a savory, subtly spicy taste and a pop of freshness from the fresh cilantro. The flavor is truly out of this world. Plus, paired with tender veggies, rice, beans the shrimp cook in about 10 minutes for a foolproof protein!
Ingredients and Notes
*Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe and ingredient list!
- Garlic Paste: I combine garlic cloves and olive oil to create a paste that adds flavor to the marinade and creates a rich garlic butter sauce when finishing the shrimp.
- Shrimp: Any size shrimp will work for this recipe. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined before cooking. Tail on when cooking makes for extra tender shrimp
- Seasonings: Salt, paprika, and seafood seasoning add warm, savory flavor to the marinade.
- Oil: I typically use olive oil because it’s what I use for the garlic paste. However, avocado oil also works well if preferred.
- Veggies: White or yellow onion and any color of bell pepper add a pop of color, texture, and nutrients.
- Butter: Unsalted butter prevents the shrimp from drying out and adds richness to the final dish.
Where I Buy My Shrimp
- Wild-Caught Seafood
- 100% Grass-Fed, Grass-Finished Beef
- Free-Range Organic Chicken
- Humanely Raised Pork
Delivered to your door! The latest ButcherBox deal can be found right here.
How to Make Skillet Shrimp
- Make garlic paste: Blend garlic cloves and olive oil in a blender or food processor until smooth and paste-like.
- Marinate the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Then, toss them with a bit of the garlic paste and seasonings, making sure to coat each shrimp completely.
- Cook the veggies: Cook the onion and pepper in oil in a large pan over medium heat just until tender.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, arranging them in an even layer. Cook until they’re opaque, being careful not to overcook. The exact cooking time will vary based on the size of your shrimp!
- Combine ingredients: After the first minute of cooking, add the butter and remaining garlic paste. Stir to combine, coating the garlicky shrimp with flavor.
- Serve: Season the skillet shrimp and veggies to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy warm!
Kitchen Tools I Use
Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to serve this garlic shrimp recipe is with white rice or even turmeric rice or coconut rice, and fried plantains, Instant Pot black beans, and a bright salad, like my easy cucumber salad. It’s also great served in lettuce wraps or tortillas for shrimp tacos! You can even turn it into a fun appetizer by scooping the shrimp into street tortillas.
Or, make a slightly different meal by pairing the easy garlic shrimp with cooked pasta, fresh parsley, a dash of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Then, add a side of crusty bread and white wine for a restaurant-inspired meal perfect for date nights at home.
How To Make Perfect White Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice (long grain or jasmine work great)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice
Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This keeps it from getting gummy. - Bring to a boil
In a small pot, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. - Simmer
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Don’t lift the lid. - Steam
Turn off the heat and let it sit (still covered) for 10 minutes. - Fluff and serve
More Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love
Costa Rica Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
For the garlic paste
- 2 heads garlic cloves peeled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the shrimp
- 12 ounces shrimp about 1 bag, peeled and deveined
- 3-4 tablespoons garlic paste divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1/2 bell pepper diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Make the garlic paste:
- Add the garlic cloves and olive oil to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and paste-like. Set aside.
Marinate the shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of the garlic paste, sea salt, paprika, and seafood seasoning. Set aside while preparing the vegetables.
Cook the vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Cook the shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in an even layer. Cook until opaque and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes total. After the first minute of cooking, add the butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of garlic paste and stir to combine. You absolutely can use more garlic paste! More the better, for me! If too thick, add more butter!
Finish and serve:
- Taste and adjust salt as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
