Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a dish that combines the freshness of lemon, the richness of butter, and the bold flavor of garlic. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The vibrant flavors brighten up the shrimp, turning a simple meal into an exceptional treat. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

Moreover, shrimp cooks quickly and is a healthy protein choice, low in calories and high in nutrients. Pairing it with fresh ingredients like lemon and parsley not only adds flavor but also boosts its nutritional value.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is straightforward and requires minimal culinary skills. You’ll just need a skillet, fresh ingredients, and a bit of time. Here’s how to prepare this delicious meal.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 large lemon (juice and zest)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions:

Prepare the Skillet: Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil and let them heat up until sizzling. You want them hot, but not smoking.
Add the Garlic and Pepper: Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook this combination for about 30 seconds, ensuring you do not let the garlic brown. Browning can lead to bitterness, and we want a lovely garlic flavor.
Cook the Shrimp: Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. Toss them into the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Stir the shrimp occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Once the shrimp are cooked through, take the skillet off the heat briefly and stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. This step adds a bright flavor that just can’t be beaten.
Mix in Parsley and Season: Toss in the chopped fresh parsley, mixing everything together well. Finally, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve Immediately: The final step is important; serve the dish immediately while it’s warm and flavorful.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp can be served in several delightful ways.

Over Rice or Pasta: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or your favorite pasta. The buttery sauce and shrimp create a delightful meal when coated over warm grains or noodles.
With Crusty Bread: For dipping into the delightful lemon-garlic butter sauce, serve it with slices of crusty bread. This adds a tasty touch and a fun way to enjoy the dish!
On a Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the shrimp on a bed of fresh greens. The lemon and parsley will elevate a simple salad.
As an Appetizer: Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is also perfect as an appetizer for dinner parties. Serve them in small ramekins with toothpicks for easy eating.

How to Store Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigeration: Allow the shrimp to cool down completely. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to help revive the flavors and prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze shrimp after they’ve been cooked because the texture might change, if you must, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice for a bright flavor. For garlic, fresh is always best. If you have it on hand, use a microplane to zest the lemon for a very fine zest.
Quality Shrimp: Purchase high-quality shrimp. If possible, buy wild-caught shrimp, which is often fresher and tastier than farmed shrimp.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp while they’re cooking. Overcooking them can lead to a rubbery texture. You want them just pink and opaque.
Add More Flavor: Feel free to experiment by adding other herbs like basil or dill alongside the parsley. You can also try adding a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic for another layer of flavor.

Variation

Spicy Shrimp: If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
Creamy Version: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream to the butter and garlic before adding the shrimp. This transforms the dish into a rich palate pleaser.
Vegetable Add-ins: For a more balanced meal, add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them before adding the shrimp to ensure even cooking.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It’s best to do this in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water.

2. How long does it take to cook shrimp?
Cooking shrimp is quick and usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes, depending on their size. When they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready.

3. What can I serve with lemon garlic butter shrimp?
You can serve it with rice, pasta, salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Any of these makes a great accompaniment.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic and chili oil ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the shrimp and add the other ingredients when you’re ready to eat.

5. What kind of shrimp should I use?
Choose medium-sized or large shrimp for this recipe. They’re easier to handle and give a satisfying bite.

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fantastic recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed dish. With straightforward steps and plenty of room for creativity, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Author: ethanmiller
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful dish combining shrimp with lemon, garlic, and butter, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 large lemon (juice and zest)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Prepare the skillet: Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil and let them heat up until sizzling.
Add the garlic and pepper: Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds.
Cook the shrimp: Toss in the shrimp and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Add fresh lemon juice and zest: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest.
Mix in parsley and season: Toss in the parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately: Serve the dish warm and enjoy.

Notes

For an extra kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Serve over rice or with crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: shrimp, lemon, garlic, quick meal, seafood