Description
Succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce and brightened with the tang of fresh lemon—Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon is a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up in under 20 minutes. This versatile recipe pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. This prevents the butter from burning.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid letting it burn.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of side.
Notes
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
- Creamy Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream for a creamy variation.
- Herbed Flavor: Replace parsley with fresh dill or thyme for a twist.
- Double the Sauce: Make extra sauce for drizzling over pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American