Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances the richness of butter with the zesty brightness of lemon and the aromatic depth of garlic. This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce, infused with lemon juice and zest for an extra pop of freshness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying appetizer, or a luxurious meal for a special occasion, Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for both busy evenings and relaxed weekends. This guide will walk you through the steps of making this flavorful dish, share some tips to perfect the recipe, and offer variations for customization.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Deliciously Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, savory sauce, while the lemon adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness, making every bite balanced and delicious.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a go-to for busy nights or when you need a fancy dish with minimal effort.
• Succulent Shrimp: The shrimp, when cooked properly, are tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the garlic butter sauce. With the right cooking time, they stay plump and flavorful.
• Versatile: This dish can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or even as part of a seafood platter.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients like shrimp, butter, garlic, and lemon, this dish is incredibly easy to make, even for beginners.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and additional ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 5-8g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2-4g

Ingredients

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or tail-off, as preferred)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

For Serving:

• Cooked pasta (spaghetti or linguine work well)
• Steamed vegetables (such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans)
• Rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by prepping your shrimp. If they aren’t already peeled and deveined, do so by removing the shells and the dark vein running down the back of each shrimp. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them depending on your preference. Make sure the shrimp are dry by patting them gently with paper towels. This helps the shrimp sear properly when cooked.

If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed properly. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes or let them sit in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning and allows for a smoother cooking process.

Add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring frequently for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can create a bitter flavor.

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir it in until fully melted, then add the lemon juice and zest. Stir the mixture to combine. The lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the butter and garlic.

At this point, you can also add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice in your dish. This step is optional, but it provides a subtle heat that balances the buttery sauce.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste before adding them to the skillet. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them around too much. Once the shrimp start to turn pink around the edges, flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until they are fully cooked through. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can result in rubbery shrimp, so as soon as they turn opaque and form a C-shape, they’re ready.

4. Finish the Dish

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for extra flavor.

Sprinkle the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. If you’re serving the shrimp with pasta or rice, you can drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top to make everything extra flavorful.

5. Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Serve the shrimp immediately, hot from the skillet. If you’re serving them with pasta, toss the pasta with the lemon garlic butter sauce to coat the noodles in the flavorful sauce. You can also serve the shrimp over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a lighter, low-carb option. Garnish with additional lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and extra parsley.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Use Fresh Shrimp: While frozen shrimp are convenient, fresh shrimp will provide a better flavor and texture. Always buy shrimp that is firm, has a mild scent, and is translucent in color.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the pan as soon as they are pink and opaque.
• Adjust the Lemon Flavor: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or juice to the sauce. If you want a milder flavor, use less lemon or just add a squeeze when serving.
• Customize the Heat: If you enjoy spicy food, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce. For a milder dish, you can skip the red pepper flakes entirely.
• Make the Sauce Creamy: For a creamier variation of this dish, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce after the butter has melted. This will turn the garlic butter sauce into a creamy lemon garlic sauce that coats the shrimp and pasta beautifully.
• Pair with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley is a great garnish for this dish, but you can also use fresh basil, thyme, or chives to bring additional flavors to the table.

Variations of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Toss the cooked shrimp and garlic butter sauce with pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for a quick and satisfying meal. You can also add some fresh spinach or arugula for added greens.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus: For a well-rounded meal, add fresh asparagus to the skillet when cooking the shrimp. The asparagus will cook in the lemon garlic butter sauce, absorbing all the wonderful flavors.
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tacos: Turn this dish into a taco by placing the shrimp in soft corn tortillas and adding toppings like avocado, cabbage slaw, and cilantro. Drizzle with more lemon garlic butter sauce and enjoy a zesty, flavorful taco.
• Shrimp Scampi: Add white wine to the garlic butter sauce for a classic shrimp scampi variation. The wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
• Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the sauce along with the garlic, or drizzle the cooked shrimp with a spicy hot sauce like sriracha before serving.

Storage and Shelf Life

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately, as shrimp tend to lose their texture when stored. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. Heat until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Pair these Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a perfect combination!
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a light and healthy side dish.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp with cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of this dish without the extra carbs.
• Side Salad: A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the shrimp and provide some crisp freshness.
• Risotto: Creamy risotto pairs wonderfully with the lemon garlic butter shrimp, adding a rich and comforting element to the dish.

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Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The tender shrimp combined with a rich garlic butter sauce and bright lemon flavors create a dish that is both comforting and refreshing. Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables, it’s an incredibly versatile recipe that can easily become a staple in your meal rotation. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the succulent shrimp – they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!