When you’re craving a quick, flavorful dish that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further than Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp.

This recipe delivers a burst of fresh, zesty lemon flavor combined with the rich, savory goodness of garlic and butter. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

The beauty of lemon garlic butter shrimp lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s packed with flavor. The shrimp are tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of lemon zest.

This dish is versatile and pairs well with pasta, rice, or simply served on its own as an appetizer or main dish. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how easy it is to prepare.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute gathering.

Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon creates a perfect balance of richness and brightness that elevates the shrimp.

Versatile: Lemon garlic butter shrimp can be served on pasta, over rice, or with vegetables. It’s a flexible dish that fits any occasion.

Low in Calories: With simple ingredients and healthy shrimp, this dish is a great option for those looking to keep things light without compromising on taste.

Impressive Presentation: Despite its simplicity, the bright, golden shrimp in the butter sauce look stunning when plated, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tbsp unsalted butter
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon zest

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Process:

Prep the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, ensuring that the shells are removed but the tails remain on for a beautiful presentation. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Depending on the size of the shrimp, they may cook slightly faster or slower, so be sure to keep an eye on them. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it brown. You want the garlic to be softened and aromatic but not burnt.

Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. This will create the perfect balance of tangy brightness that complements the richness of the butter and garlic. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Return the Shrimp to the Skillet: Once the sauce has thickened and is bubbling gently, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss the shrimp in the sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated in the buttery mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired) for a touch of heat.
Garnish and Serve: Once the shrimp are coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a fresh pop of citrus.

Serving Suggestions:

With Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the shrimp over a bed of pasta. Angel hair, spaghetti, or linguine work especially well with this dish, allowing the shrimp and the buttery sauce to coat the noodles perfectly.

With Rice: If you’re looking for something lighter, serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed rice. The sauce will soak into the rice, creating a satisfying meal.

With Vegetables: For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp with roasted vegetables or sautéed zucchini noodles for a refreshing, healthy dish.

As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp on their own as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Variations:

Add Herbs: While parsley is a classic garnish, feel free to add a combination of fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano for added depth of flavor.

Spicy Shrimp: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter mixture, creating a creamy garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker thaw.

Can I make this ahead of time? While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Simply store the cooked shrimp in the fridge and reheat with the sauce just before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon? You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute, but fresh lemon juice provides a much brighter, fresher flavor.

Conclusion:

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with vegetables, the combination of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon creates a perfect balance that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying!