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.