Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

why make this recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fantastic dish that is both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The bright, zesty flavor of lemon combined with the rich taste of garlic butter makes each bite unforgettable. Plus, shrimp cooks very quickly, making this dish an excellent option when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, it’s sure to please anyone at the table.

how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is straightforward and requires only a few simple steps. Below, we break down each step to make sure your shrimp turn out perfectly every time.

Ingredients :

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

Directions :

1. Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts. This combination of fats adds richness and flavor to the dish.
2. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. This is when the shrimp is perfectly cooked and the natural sweetness shines through.
4. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest along with the chopped parsley, mixing well. The lemon adds brightness to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste your shrimp before serving to ensure optimal flavor.
6. Serve immediately, optionally over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

how to serve Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Serving Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is quite flexible. Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

• Over Pasta: Cook some spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine and toss it in some olive oil or butter before adding the shrimp on top. This creates a satisfying, rich dish.
• With Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice can soak up the garlic butter sauce wonderfully.
• As a Standalone Dish: You can also serve these shrimp on a platter with crusty bread on the side. This is perfect for dipping into the leftover garlic butter sauce.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad can be a light and refreshing side that complements the richness of the shrimp without overwhelming the palate.

how to store Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

If you have leftovers (though they might be few!), storing Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is easy:

• In the Refrigerator: Place the shrimp in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. They can last for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently to avoid overcooking.
• In the Freezer: While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the shrimp if necessary. Make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for about a month, but the texture may change slightly. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm gently in a skillet.

tips to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Buy Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will taste much better than frozen. If you must use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Watch them closely, so they turn from translucent to opaque but don’t become rubbery.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the spice entirely.
• Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic, parsley, and lemons will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish compared to dried or bottled ingredients.
• Experiment with Herbs: While parsley is popular, you can experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill for different flavor profiles.

variation

While the classic Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is delightful on its own, you can easily modify it to suit your taste:

• Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or make a creamy sauce with cream cheese for a richer dish. This creates a delightful contrast to the lemon and garlic flavors.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can elevate the dish further. Cook them along with the garlic for added depth.
• Pesto Twist: You can switch things up by adding a tablespoon of basil pesto to the garlic butter for a different flavor angle.
• Asian Inspired: Replace the parsley with green onions and add soy sauce for an Asian twist, served over noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

2. How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They will also curl up into a “C” shape. Avoid cooking them too long, as they can become rubbery.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance, then reheat gently just before serving.

4. What type of shrimp should I use?
Medium shrimp work best, but you can also use smaller or larger shrimp according to your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

5. Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with margarine or a non-dairy alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. However, the flavor may differ slightly.

With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be on your way to enjoying a delicious plate of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. Bon appétit!

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

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• Author: lily
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A quick and flavorful dish featuring shrimp cooked in garlic butter and fresh lemon juice, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts.
2. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest along with the chopped parsley.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, optionally over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh and hot. If storing, keep in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: shrimp, garlic butter, lemon, seafood, quick recipe, weeknight dinner