Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links learn more.

From the moment I first stumbled upon this recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups, I knew I had to try it. The combination of succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, nestled in crispy phyllo cups, sounded utterly irresistible. And let me tell you, they absolutely lived up to the hype! My family devoured these little bites of heaven at our last get-together, and they were gone in minutes. The kids loved the fun, individual servings, and the adults raved about the incredible flavor. Honestly, these Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups are not just an appetizer; they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate any occasion. They are surprisingly easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and visually appealing – making them a perfect choice for everything from casual weeknight snacking to elegant dinner parties. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients for Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups

This recipe hinges on fresh, quality ingredients, and the simplicity of the components allows each flavor to truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups:

Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) work best for these cups as they are bite-sized and cook quickly. Fresh or frozen (thawed completely) shrimp can be used.
Phyllo Dough Cups (Mini): 2 boxes (approximately 15 cups per box). These pre-made cups provide the perfect crispy and convenient vessel for our flavorful shrimp mixture. They are readily available in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), unsalted. Butter is the foundation of our rich and flavorful sauce, providing that classic buttery taste. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for the robust garlic flavor that defines this recipe. Mincing it finely ensures it infuses the butter beautifully.
Dry White Wine: ¼ cup (optional). A splash of dry white wine adds a layer of acidity and complexity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Use a crisp, dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Chicken broth can be substituted for a non-alcoholic version.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the garlic butter and shrimp.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice provides a crucial element of brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter and enhancing the flavors of the shrimp and garlic. Freshly squeezed is always preferred for the best flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice to the dish. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavors in this recipe. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference throughout the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups

Making these Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups is surprisingly straightforward and quick. Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of these irresistible appetizers:

Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important as excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from browning properly and dilute the sauce.
Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Use a skillet large enough to accommodate all the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to the sauce.
Add White Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly and the flavors to meld.
Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season generously with salt and black pepper. If using red pepper flakes, add them now as well.
Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. They should be firm to the touch and no longer translucent.
Stir in Parsley and Lemon Juice: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The lemon juice will brighten the sauce and balance the richness of the butter.
Assemble the Shrimp Cups: Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Spoon the garlic butter shrimp mixture evenly into each phyllo cup, ensuring each cup gets a generous portion of shrimp and sauce.
Bake (Optional): For extra warmth and crispiness, you can bake the filled phyllo cups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This step is optional, but it enhances the texture and makes the cups slightly warmer if serving immediately. Be careful not to overbake, as the phyllo cups can burn easily.
Serve Immediately: Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups are best served immediately while the phyllo cups are still crispy and the shrimp is warm and flavorful. Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge if desired.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups

These nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. They are based on a serving size of approximately 2-3 shrimp cups.

Servings: Approximately 10-15 appetizer servings (depending on how many cups are filled per serving)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
Fat: 10-15g

Please note: These values are estimates and can change based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy Appetizer

Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups are a fantastic choice when you need a delicious and impressive appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes (This includes peeling and deveining shrimp, mincing garlic, chopping parsley, and squeezing lemon juice)
Cook Time: 10 minutes (This includes sautéing garlic, cooking shrimp, and optional baking of filled cups)
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

This quick preparation time makes Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups an ideal appetizer for impromptu gatherings, last-minute dinner parties, or whenever you crave a flavorful and satisfying bite without the fuss.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups: Versatile and Delicious

Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Classic Appetizer: Arrange them beautifully on a platter for cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or game day celebrations. Their elegant presentation and delicious flavor make them a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
For Dinner Parties: Serve them as a sophisticated starter before a main course of grilled fish, roasted chicken, or pasta. They are light yet flavorful, perfectly setting the stage for a delightful meal.
As Party Food: They are perfect for buffet-style parties or potlucks. Their individual servings make them easy to grab and enjoy while mingling.
With a Dipping Sauce: While they are delicious on their own, you can offer a side of dipping sauce for added flavor. Consider:
- Lemon Aioli: Creamy and tangy, it complements the garlic butter and shrimp beautifully.
- Spicy Mayo: For those who like a kick, a spicy mayo adds a creamy heat.
- Marinara Sauce: For a different flavor profile, a warm marinara sauce can be a surprising and delicious pairing.
Garnishes: Enhance their visual appeal and flavor with:
- Extra Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedges: Served alongside for squeezing extra lemon juice.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives add a delicate onion flavor and visual appeal.
- A Drizzle of Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil drizzled over the top adds richness and shine.
Serve Warm: These cups are best enjoyed warm, right after preparation. The crispy phyllo and warm, flavorful shrimp are a delightful combination.
On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter presentation, you can serve them on a bed of fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach. This adds a fresh element and visual contrast.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups

To ensure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups are a resounding success, here are some additional tips and tricks:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature, causing the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavorful shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use Good Quality Butter: Since butter is a key flavor component, use good quality unsalted butter. The flavor will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar. Freshly minced garlic provides a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor that is essential for this recipe.
Adjust Garlic to Taste: While the recipe calls for 6 cloves of garlic, you can adjust this amount to your preference. If you love garlic, feel free to add more. If you prefer a milder flavor, use slightly less.
Spice it Up (or Down): The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. If you want a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
Customize with Herbs: While parsley is classic, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or oregano. A combination of herbs can also add complexity.
Make Ahead Components: You can prepare the garlic butter shrimp mixture ahead of time (up to a day in advance). Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat it in a skillet before filling the phyllo cups. However, it’s best to fill and bake (if baking) the cups just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Prevent Soggy Cups: To prevent the phyllo cups from becoming soggy, assemble them just before serving or baking. If you are making the shrimp mixture ahead, wait until you are ready to serve to fill the cups. Baking them briefly before serving can also help maintain their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the best Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups:

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

A: While it’s best to use raw shrimp for optimal flavor and texture, you can use pre-cooked shrimp if needed. Add the pre-cooked shrimp to the skillet at the very end, just to warm them through in the garlic butter sauce. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become rubbery.

Q2: Can I make these Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the garlic butter shrimp mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently in a skillet before filling the phyllo cups. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to assemble and serve the cups as close to serving time as possible to keep the phyllo cups crispy.

Q3: Can I substitute the phyllo cups with something else?

A: If you can’t find phyllo cups, you can use mini puff pastry shells or even toasted baguette slices as alternatives. Keep in mind that puff pastry will be denser and baguette slices will be less crispy. Phyllo cups provide the lightest and crispiest texture.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: To make this dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil. Olive oil will give a slightly different flavor profile but can still be delicious.

Q5: What kind of white wine is best for this recipe?

A: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or unoaked Chardonnay works best. These wines are crisp and acidic, which complements the richness of the butter and the flavor of the shrimp. If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option.

Q6: How do I store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups?

A: It’s best to eat Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups immediately for the best texture. However, if you have leftovers, store the shrimp mixture separately from the phyllo cups in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The phyllo cups will likely become soggy if stored filled. Reheat the shrimp mixture gently in a skillet and then fill fresh phyllo cups if desired.

Q7: Can I freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups?

A: Freezing is not recommended for assembled Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups as the phyllo cups will become soggy and the texture will degrade. You can freeze the garlic butter shrimp mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator and reheat gently before filling fresh phyllo cups.

Q8: Can I add cheese to these Garlic Butter Shrimp Cups?

A: While not traditional, you can add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano cheese to the top of the filled cups before baking (if baking). This will add a salty and savory element that complements the garlic butter and shrimp. Be mindful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors.