Hey there fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been experimenting with different ways to cook shrimp lately, and I gotta tell ya – you don’t need butter to make these little ocean gems taste amazing. Whether you’re watching your calories or just ran out of butter (been there!) I’ve got some killer butter-free methods that’ll make your shrimp absolutely delicious.
Why Cook Shrimp Without Butter?
Before we dive into the cooking methods here’s why you might wanna skip the butter
- Lower calories and less saturated fat
- Perfect for dairy-free diets
- Healthier heart-friendly option
- Let’s the natural sweetness of shrimp shine through
- Great for those with lactose intolerance
1. Olive Oil Sautéed Shrimp
This is my go-to method when I’m in a hurry (which is like always). Here’s what you’ll need
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning
- Lemon juice
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds
- Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink
- Finish with a splash of lemon juice
2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Perfect for summer BBQs! Here’s my simple marinade:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes
- Thread onto skewers
- Grill 2-3 minutes each side on high heat
- Look for nice char marks and opaque color
3. Baked Shrimp
This is super easy for meal prep! You’ll need:
- Shrimp
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon zest
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Toss shrimp with seasonings
- Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Bake 5-7 minutes
4. Coconut Curry Shrimp
OMG, this is my fave when I’m craving something different:
Ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Light coconut milk
- Red curry paste
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Lime juice
5. Steamed Shrimp
The healthiest option! Just need:
- Water
- Lemon
- Old Bay seasoning
- Fresh herbs
Quick Steps:
- Bring water to boil
- Add seasonings
- Steam 3-4 minutes
- Done when pink and curled
6. Jerk Shrimp
When I’m feeling spicy:
- Jerk seasoning
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Olive oil
7. Shrimp Tacos
Taco Tuesday favorite:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Lime juice
- Corn tortillas
- Cabbage slaw
- Avocado
8. Air Fryer Shrimp
My newest obsession:
- Season shrimp
- Spray with olive oil
- Air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes
- Shake basket halfway through
Pro Tips for Cooking Shrimp Without Butter
-
Don’t Overcook!
- Watch for pink color
- Look for C shape (not O shape = overcooked)
- Usually 2-3 minutes per side is enough
-
Best Seasonings:
- Citrus (lemon, lime)
- Garlic
- Herbs (parsley, cilantro)
- Spice blends (cajun, Italian)
-
Choose Good Shrimp:
- Fresh when possible
- Large or jumbo size work best
- If frozen, thaw properly
How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp
Three safe methods:
- Overnight: Place in fridge for 12+ hours
- Quick Method: Cold water bath for 20-30 minutes
- Direct Water: Cold running water for 10-15 minutes
Health Benefits
By skipping butter, you’re getting:
- High protein (21g per 3oz serving)
- Low calories
- Essential nutrients
- Heart-healthy preparation
- No added saturated fats
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use high heat without oil
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Don’t skip seasoning
- Don’t forget to pat dry before cooking
- Don’t cook straight from frozen
Would you like me to break down any of these methods in more detail? Drop a comment below!
Let’s Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp
This is a brief rundown of the recipe, complete measurements and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- This lemon garlic shrimp pairs perfectly with pasta, our family enjoys it with a delicate pasta like angel hair. I toss the pasta with a little olive oil and lemon juice and serve with the shrimp on top
- Enjoy it with a salad – my Lemony Kale and Arugula Salad is a great option
- I love to enjoy this shrimp with my Air Fryer Asparagus when I want a low carb option
- Shrimp cooks quickly – I know it seems fast but trust me, it gets rubbery when overcooked
- When getting the zest of the lemon, make sure to just get the top layer of the lemon peel. If you get to the white pith, it will be bitter and unpleasant
- If you like things spicy like I do, add some crushed red pepper flakes
- Shrimp is best enjoyed the same day, but you can reheat in a pan over low heat just until warmed through
HOMEMADE COOK SHRIMPS WITHOUT BUTTER
FAQ
How to cook shrimp if I don’t have butter?
Instead of cooking the shrimp in copious amounts of butter, I replaced it with olive oil. I also subbed the typical white wine used to make the sauce with vegetable broth, which cut even more calories. There’s still plenty of garlic and the flavor of lemon so you don’t run out of flavor.
Should I cook shrimp with oil or butter?
When cooking shrimp on the stove, we prefer oil over butter because of oil’s higher smoke point. However, if you’d like to infuse the flavor of butter into your stove-top shrimp, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot oil just before you add the shrimp.
How to cook frozen shrimp without butter?
Add about 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to a cast iron skillet, and warm it over medium-high heat just until it is shimmering. Cook the shrimp. Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan along with the garlic. Cook until the shrimp is opaque and turns pink, tossing occasionally.
How to cook without olive oil or butter?
- Steam vegetables or saute in a liquid like water or broth.
- Use broth, soy sauce, or vinegar to add flavor during the cooking process.
- Utilize seasonings and herbs for flavor.
- Use an air fryer or a silicone mat in the oven for baked/fried preparations.