Easy Pan Seared Shrimp (How To Cook Shrimp On The Stove!)

by Kayla Berman on May 11, 2023 0 comments

Pan Seared Shrimp is a quick, easy, and delicious seafood recipe! Made with butter, fresh herbs, and simple seasonings – this versatile dish is cooked on the stove in less than 10 minutes. This juicy, tender shrimp is the perfect healthy protein for a busy weeknight dinner!

Looking for more easy shrimp recipes? Check out my Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry, Baja-Style Shrimp Tacos, or Baked Shrimp Oreganata.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp is one of my favorite protein options out there! It’s versatile, easy, and delicious.

It’s also a great choice when eating healthy and a pretty affordable seafood option.

It is safe to say that I have tried out quite a few cooking methods! But pan searing is by far and away my favorite. Here’s why:

Quick & Easy: Seared shrimp is literally the fastest, easy dinner recipe I think I have ever made. It is ready in under 15 minutes! Truly perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Healthy: Shrimp is a fantastic protein option! It is full of nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also very low calorie and low fat.
Tender & Juicy: Pan searing gives shrimp the perfect tender, juicy texture.
Golden Brown: Plus it also gets a nice crispy, golden brown outside. Which I love! You’ll get some of those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan too. If you know, you know.
Versatile: This simple shrimp recipe can be seasoned and enjoyed in countless different ways! Read the full post below for all of my ideas and variations.

Pan Seared Shrimp Ingredients & Substitutions

This easy pan-seared shrimp recipe calls for pretty much the shortest grocery list ever! All you need is fresh shrimp and herbs, plus pantry staples.

Here’s what to grab:

Shrimp: This delicious meal calls for 1 pound of shrimp! I like to buy already cleaned, shelled, and deveined shrimp from the grocery store or market. It’s an easy way to save some time.
Butter: 2 tbsp butter gives this shrimp an amazing flavor and a nice sear. You can alternatively use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
Fresh Parsley: I love the addition of 1/2 tbsp of fresh parsley here! It adds a clean, peppery, and earthy taste. Plus it makes for such beautiful presentation! You can substitute in different fresh herbs too. Perhaps fresh cilantro or fresh basil.
Seasonings: I am a huge fan of the simple seasonings used in this easy recipe! 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper give a rather neutral flavor that allows this shrimp to be used in countless ways. It can be enjoyed on top of mediterranean salad, added to a taco bowl, or placed on top a big bowl of creamy pasta!

Equipment

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Measuring Cup / Spoons
Large Skillet – Here is the exact 12-inch skillet that I use, love, and recommend.
Chef Knife / Cutting Board
Wooden Cooking Utensil

How To Cook Shrimp On The Stove Top

Step 1: Dry shrimp. First thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Season shrimp.Then add the shrimp, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Combine thoroughly and ensure each shrimp is coated in the seasoning mix.

Step 3: Cook shrimp. Heat a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter. Then once the butter is sizzling add the shrimp to the skillet. Spread in an even, single layer. Cook on one side for about 2-3 minutes until seared. Flip and repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Finishing touches: Add fresh parsley and combine. Season with extra salt and black pepper to taste if needed.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy! Serve cooked shrimp with extra melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptions

I think this is a great recipe as is, but there are always adjustments you can make to meet your personal preferences or needs. Here are some variations:

Butterfly The Shrimp: Butterflying shrimp is a great way to switch things up! It creates a unique look and helps the shrimp cook more evenly. Here are some step by step instructions!
Different Seasonings: The best way to switch up this recipe a bit is to change the seasonings! The most important part of this recipe is the method, the ingredients are actually very interchangeable – especially the seasonings. Some great additions would be onion powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes. You could even do a pre-made mix like taco seasoning or seafood old bay seasoning!
Garnishes & Finishing Touches: This basic, but scrumptious shrimp can be spruced up wonderfully with some garnishes and finishing touches. I love adding some citrus in the form of lemon wedges, lemon zest, or fresh lime juice! Extra melted butter on top is also always a good idea.

Looking for a different method to prepare shrimp entirely? I recommend checking out my 5-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp.

Stove Cooking Shrimp Expert Tips

Follow the tips & tricks below to pan sear shrimp perfectly every single time:

Purchase already shelled, deveined, and cleaned shrimp from the grocery store. I promise you this is a total lifesaver! And timesaver. If you can’t find already prepared shrimp, here is how to do it yourself !
Thoroughly pat the raw shrimp dry before adding to the pan. This again helps with the sear!
The pan or skillet you choose to sear shrimp on the stove with really does matter! I recommend using cast iron pans over non-stick pans for any type of searing. Mainly because cast iron skillets are better at retaining heat which is needed for pan searing. Additionally non-stick pans are not meant to be used at a high heat.
To develop a beautiful, golden brown sear make sure you add the shrimp to an already hot skillet.
The key to perfectly seared shrimp is to give them plenty of room in the pan. Don’t overcrowd! If the pan is overcrowded, the shrimp will steam rather than sear.
Don’t overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp can have a tough and rubbery texture, which you do not want. Shrimp takes only about 4-6 minutes total, and 2-3 minutes on each side to cook. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp, but just keep an eye. Especially on smaller shrimp! It will cook up in no time.
Leave the shrimp undisturbed for most of the time! Once you initially spread the shrimp out don’t touch them until it is time to flip. Flip and then again don’t touch them until they are done.

Serving Suggestions

This juicy shrimp can be served in so many different ways! Here are my ideas:

Throw it in a wrap – Add this seared shrimp to a large tortilla with some other fixins’ like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a condiment. Wrap it all up for a tasty and quick meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Add it to a salad – I truly think there is nothing better than a salad topped with some grilled or seared shrimp. It is one of my go-to orders at a restaurant. You can make it at home with my Mediterranean Chopped Salad!
Pair with a carb & veggie – This easy protein can be a main dish paired with any side dish of your choice. I recommend a carb source, like Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes or Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, and a vegetable for the perfect well rounded meal.
On top of pasta – This might be my favorite way to enjoy this tasty shrimp. It goes fabulously with my Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta.
Lettuce wraps – Keep it low carb and throw this simple seafood in some lettuce wraps! Check out my tuna wraps for all my lettuce wrap tips.

Whichever way you choose to enjoy this shrimp, I can guarantee it will be delicious!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, I don’t see why not! Simply thaw the frozen shrimp out before using it.

What type of pan should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using a cast iron pan or skillet to pan-sear shrimp! A non-stick skillet won’t quite develop that beautiful sear we’re going for.

Check out the Equipment section for the exact skillet I use and recommend.

How to know when the shrimp is cooked?

You will know the shrimp is cooked when it changes from grey and slightly translucent to white in color with pops of pink and red. The shrimp will also develop a curl, similar to the letter “C” when it is ready.

Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp. It should reach between 120-145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking each side of the shrimp for 2-3 minutes should do the trick. Although if you’re using a larger shrimp, like jumbo shrimp, this amount of time might be a bit longer.

If you are nervous about ensuring the shrimp is fully cooked you can always cut into one and check. This is always the most fool-proof way!

How to best store this recipe?

Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep best for 3 days!

To reheat, I recommend adding back to a pan on the stove over medium low heat. Cook until just warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Related Recipes

Seafood Recipes

Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes

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If you make this delicious garlic shrimp recipe or any of my other recipes, I would absolutely love to know! Tag me @wellnessbykay on Instagram so I can see and share your recreations.

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