This Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp dish is quick to make and bursting with flavor! Juicy shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a refreshing twist of lemon.
You’ll love how simple it is—just sauté, toss in some seasoning, and enjoy! It pairs perfectly with rice or pasta, making it a great meal any night of the week. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish, as they hold up well during cooking. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp work just fine—just make sure to thaw them properly. I personally enjoy using shrimp with tails on for added presentation.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling salt levels in the dish. If you’re watching your saturated fat intake, you can replace some butter with a touch more olive oil to maintain flavor without as much fat.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that amazing aroma and flavor. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh really elevates the dish. I always prefer fresh over the jarred variety; it’s so much brighter!
Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a bright flavor. If you’re short on fresh lemons, bottled juice works in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as fresh. I also love adding lemon slices for garnish; it’s a nice touch for serving.
Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but perfect if you like a little heat. You can use fresh chopped chili peppers instead or skip them entirely for a milder dish. I usually go light on the flakes, just for a hint of spice!
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overdoing It?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but the key is timing. You want them tender and juicy, not rubbery. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your shrimp are patted dry to help them sear nicely in the pan.
- Cook them in a single layer in the skillet for even cooking. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than sautéing.
- Watch the color change; they turn pink and curl when done. Usually, 2-3 minutes on the first side, then 1-2 minutes after flipping.
- Remove them from heat as soon as they’re opaque—this helps prevent overcooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 lemon, juiced (plus lemon slices for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal or a fancy dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse and Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to clean them. Once rinsed, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and set them aside. This step is important to ensure a nice sear when cooking.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, combine olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat them over medium heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is hot. This will create the tasty base for our shrimp.
3. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
Next, add the minced garlic and, if you like a little spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Sauté everything for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and season them with salt and black pepper. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. You’ll see them start to turn pink as they cook. Once they look good, flip them over to cook the other side.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce:
After flipping the shrimp, add the last tablespoon of butter, the fresh lemon juice, and half of the chopped parsley to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to coat the shrimp in the flavorful garlic butter lemon sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and turn opaque.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from heat and garnish the shrimp with the remaining chopped parsley and some lemon slices for a nice presentation. Serve immediately alongside your favorite side like rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your flavorful and tender Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can do this by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes, or you can leave them in the fridge overnight.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute some or all of the butter with extra olive oil. Alternatively, you could use a dairy-free butter substitute if you’re looking for a vegan option!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave them for a quick meal.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some quick-cooking vegetables, like spinach or cherry tomatoes, during the last couple of minutes of cooking. They’ll add extra flavor, nutrition, and color to your Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp!
