This Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp is a simple yet tasty dish that brings together juicy shrimp, rich butter, and zesty lemon. The garlic adds a wonderful aroma, making your kitchen smell fab!
I love how quick it is to whip up—perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without fuss! Just serve it over pasta or rice, and you’re all set. 🍋🦐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: For this dish, large shrimp work best. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp is a great option—just make sure to thaw them completely first. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute with scallops or even chicken for a different twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead, which adds a lovely flavor and is a bit healthier. I sometimes mix butter and olive oil for richness and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that aroma and taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon should do. But I definitely recommend fresh for this dish; it makes all the difference!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness to the shrimp. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can work as a substitute or use bottled lemon juice, though fresh is always better!
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness, but if you have no parsley, you can use cilantro instead. Just be aware, cilantro has a stronger flavor that will change the dish slightly.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, as they turn from perfect to rubbery very quickly. The key is to cook them just until they’re pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Here’s a neat trick for you:
- Start with a hot skillet and ensure it has enough fat (like butter) to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook shrimp in batches if necessary to get an even sear.
- Keep an eye on the color. As soon as they turn pink, flip them over to cook the other side.
- For best results, remove them from heat just as they finish cooking. They’ll continue to cook a little from residual heat.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp every time!
Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested (plus lemon slices for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Optional: cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 8-10 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at roughly 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely in the pan. Then, season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start to get slightly golden. Flip the shrimp over, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked through and opaque.
4. Add Lemon Flavor:
Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure they get coated in the buttery garlic lemon sauce. It will smell heavenly!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp. Give it a gentle stir. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top. Serve the shrimp hot with lemon slices on the side. This dish goes beautifully with cooked rice or cauliflower rice to soak up all that delicious sauce!
This recipe yields plump, garlicky shrimp in a bright, buttery lemon sauce topped with fresh parsley — an irresistible combination that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your quick and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can use olive oil instead of butter. It still adds great flavor and works well with the other ingredients. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil is also a tasty alternative!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you prefer a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. You can also try adding some hot sauce to the garlic butter or serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
