Creamy Garlic Butter Fish & Shrimp Skillet

🔪 Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Heat the Pan

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Choose a non-stick pan to avoid the fish breaking apart.

2. Sauté Garlic

Add minced garlic and stir gently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid browning.

3. Add Fish and Shrimp

Place the cubed fish and shrimp in the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping gently to ensure all sides are golden and slightly crisp.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

4. Add Cream and Lemon Juice

Pour in the cream (or yogurt) and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat all the seafood evenly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together.

5. Season

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika or chili flakes to taste. Adjust the seasoning as the sauce reduces.

6. Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite side — rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple salad.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly flexible. Try pairing it with:

Steamed rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.

Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Crusty bread to soak up the luscious garlic cream sauce.

Sautéed spinach or asparagus for a nutritious side.

⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Approximate Value

Calories 300–350 kcal
Protein 35–40g
Carbohydrates 4–6g
Fat 15g
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

💡 Chef’s Tips

For extra creaminess: Add a small pat of butter at the end.

Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream.

Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes pair beautifully with the sauce.

Don’t overcook seafood: Shrimp turns rubbery if cooked too long; remove from heat once pink and firm.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen fish or shrimp?

Yes! Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can make the sauce watery.

2. How can I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer a bit longer on low heat, or stir in a teaspoon of grated Parmesan or cornstarch slurry.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.

4. What other seasonings work well?

Try adding Italian herbs, thyme, or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

5. Can I turn this into a pasta dish?

Absolutely! Toss the cooked seafood and sauce with your favorite pasta (like linguine or fettuccine) for a creamy seafood pasta.

🌸 Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Fish & Shrimp recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you can bring a restaurant-worthy seafood dish to your dinner table. Light yet satisfying, it’s ideal for weeknights, date nights, or special occasions.