Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and zesty lemon. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a light appetizer, or a protein-packed addition to pasta, rice, or salads. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich yet fresh taste.
- Versatile – Serve it with pasta, rice, vegetables, or enjoy it on its own.
- Healthy and Light – Shrimp is a great source of lean protein and pairs well with various dietary preferences.
- Minimal Ingredients – Requires only a handful of staple ingredients for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
shrimp, peeled and deveined
butter
garlic, minced
lemon juice
lemon zest
red pepper flakes (optional)
parsley, chopped
salt
black pepper
olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the Shrimp – Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Pan – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic – Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp – Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque.
- Flip and Add Butter – Flip the shrimp, add butter, and let it melt into the pan, coating the shrimp.
- Add Lemon Juice & Zest – Pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the zest, stirring to combine.
- Finish with Parsley & Spice – Add red pepper flakes if desired and chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve Immediately – Enjoy hot with your favorite side dishes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Herbaceous Flavor – Experiment with basil, thyme, or oregano for a unique twist.
- Citrus Swap – Try using lime instead of lemon for a slightly different tangy flavor.
- Garlic-Lover’s Edition – Double the garlic for an extra garlicky taste.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 4
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Freezing – While possible, freezing is not recommended as it can affect the shrimp’s texture.
FAQs
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking! Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw them completely before cooking by running them under cold water or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight.
What’s the best way to devein shrimp?
Use a small paring knife or a deveining tool to remove the dark vein along the back of the shrimp.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with extra olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Try serving it over pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape when fully cooked.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end and heat for just 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for a juicy, flavorful bite.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance for a faster cooking process.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delicious, quick, and versatile dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. Whether served over pasta, rice, or enjoyed on its own, it’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Try it today for a satisfying and fuss-free seafood dish!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp (Quick & Easy!)
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and fresh lemon. Ready in under 15 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, appetizers, or as a protein-packed addition to pasta, rice, or salads.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp – Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Pan – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic – Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp – Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque.
- Flip and Add Butter – Flip the shrimp, add butter, and let it melt into the pan, coating the shrimp.
- Add Lemon Juice & Zest – Pour in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the zest, stirring to combine.
- Finish with Parsley & Spice – Add red pepper flakes if desired and chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve Immediately – Enjoy hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- To make a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream.
- Try using lime juice instead of lemon for a variation.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: american,Mediterranean
Keywords: Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Recipe, Quick Seafood Dish, Garlic Butter Shrimp, 15-Minute Dinner
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