Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn Skillet

This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn Skillet is the kind of dish that tastes like summer in a pan — sweet corn kernels, tender shrimp, and juicy cherry tomatoes bathed in a silky garlic-butter sauce with just the right touch of heat. Fresh herbs brighten the flavors, while a squeeze of lemon at the end brings everything into sharp, irresistible focus. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve at a casual dinner party with crusty bread for mopping up the sauce.

Golden corn is sautéed until just caramelized, giving it a deep, nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the briny shrimp. The garlic butter sauce is both luxurious and comforting, clinging to every bite without feeling heavy. Finished with fresh parsley and a hint of paprika, this skillet dinner is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Skillet:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 3 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • Lemon wedges

  • Crusty bread or rice (optional)

Directions

1. Sear the Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Cook the Corn & Tomatoes

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and caramelized, 4–5 minutes. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and burst, about 2 minutes.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Push corn and tomatoes to the side of the skillet. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the empty space, then stir in garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook just until fragrant, 30 seconds. Toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter.

4. Combine & Finish

Return shrimp to the skillet and toss gently until heated through and coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Calories:

~340 kcal per serving

Servings:

4

The Origin of the Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn Skillet

This dish draws inspiration from coastal cooking traditions where seafood is often paired with seasonal vegetables. Shrimp and corn are a natural duo — one bringing briny sweetness, the other a sunny, earthy bite. Garlic butter sauces have long been a seafood staple, adding richness without overpowering the freshness of the ingredients. This skillet approach makes it a one-pan wonder, blending the flavors as they cook together.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Layered Flavors: Searing the shrimp first locks in juices and flavors before building the sauce in the same pan.

  • Texture Play: Crisp-tender corn, soft tomatoes, and succulent shrimp keep each bite dynamic.

  • Balanced Richness: Butter adds depth, while lemon and herbs keep the dish bright.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use fresh corn when in season for the sweetest flavor.

  • Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly.

  • For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream before returning the shrimp to the skillet.

Variations

  • Cajun Twist: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for bold, smoky heat.

  • Mediterranean Style: Swap parsley for basil, add olives, and finish with crumbled feta.

  • Spicy Garlic Lime: Replace lemon with lime juice and increase red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead & Storage

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the corn-tomato mixture up to 1 day ahead; store covered in the fridge. Add shrimp just before serving for the best texture.

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

  • Freezer: Not recommended, as shrimp can become tough when reheated.

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

  • Warm crusty bread for scooping up the garlic butter.

  • Fluffy white rice or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce.

  • A simple green salad for freshness.

Final Thoughts
The Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn Skillet proves that a handful of simple ingredients can create a dish bursting with flavor. It’s fresh, colorful, and satisfying without being heavy — a perfect example of why shrimp, corn, and garlic butter will always be a winning trio.