Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Quick and Flavorful Seafood Delight

Shrimp is one of the most versatile and delicious seafood options, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. When paired with the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon, shrimp transforms into a succulent, mouthwatering meal that’s both simple to prepare and absolutely irresistible. This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe combines bold flavors with minimal ingredients, making it a favorite for seafood lovers and busy home cooks alike. Not only is it fast and easy, but it also pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe will give you restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, you will need:

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

This simple combination of ingredients creates a rich, tangy, and aromatic dish that highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp

Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Drying the shrimp is essential to achieve a nice sear when cooking. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Heat Oil

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning while adding a subtle richness. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, it’s ready for the shrimp.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them to allow a golden crust to form. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Lemon

Push the shrimp to the side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter along with minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, but do not let it burn. Then, squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and add lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Toss the shrimp in the garlic lemon butter sauce to coat evenly. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon slices on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is incredibly versatile. Serve it over cooked pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a classic shrimp scampi. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. It also pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Every Time

1. Choose the right shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp are best for this recipe, as they cook quickly and remain tender. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work equally well.
2. Avoid overcooking: Shrimp cooks fast—usually 4-5 minutes total. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and dry.
3. Butter vs. oil: Using a combination of butter and olive oil prevents burning while delivering a rich flavor.
4. Add flavor layers: Lemon zest, garlic, and parsley are small touches that elevate the dish from simple to restaurant-quality.
5. Customize spice level: Red pepper flakes are optional, so adjust based on your heat preference.

Variations to Try

• Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: After cooking the shrimp, add 1/4 cup heavy cream and a teaspoon of Parmesan for a rich, indulgent sauce.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking for a bold, smoky flavor.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers: Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them for a smoky, outdoor-friendly version of this dish.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. It’s also rich in key nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. The garlic and lemon in this recipe add antioxidants and support heart health, making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp not just delicious but nutritious as well.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using only a handful of ingredients, you achieve a balance of rich, savory butter, zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. The key is cooking shrimp quickly over medium-high heat to lock in flavor and juiciness. This method ensures that the shrimp are tender, flavorful, and perfect every time.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While shrimp is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked shrimp. Leftover cooked shrimp can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days but should be reheated carefully to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick, easy, and elegant dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table in under 20 minutes. Its versatility allows you to pair it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights, date nights, or family gatherings. With a few simple ingredients—shrimp, butter, garlic, and lemon—you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress. Try this recipe today and experience the perfect combination of buttery, garlicky, and zesty flavors in every bite.