If you are craving a dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavor yet comes together in a flash, this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe will quickly become a kitchen favorite. Juicy, tender shrimp are perfectly cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, enlivened by fresh lemon juice and zest, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. It’s a simple yet enchanting combination that makes weeknight dinners feel special, impressive, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how straightforward this ingredient list is, with each component playing a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and visual appeal. These pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together seamlessly to build a deeply flavorful yet bright and fresh shrimp dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, providing a juicy and tender seafood base that cooks quickly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity undertone and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the shrimp.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the silky, indulgent garlic butter sauce that coats every shrimp perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic intensity and slight sweetness once sautéed.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Delivers a vibrant citrus aroma that brightens the whole recipe.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Adds zesty acidity that cuts through the richness for balance.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a mild kick of heat that enhances the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and brings everything together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Provides fresh herbal brightness and a lovely pop of green color.
How to Make Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a nice sear and preventing the shrimp from steaming in the pan. Dry shrimp will develop a gorgeous golden color and maintain their natural tenderness while cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn, which could add bitterness instead of that wonderful sweet nuttiness.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a gentle touch of heat. Let the shrimp cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. This quick cooking time keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Butter
Lower the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss everything together so that each shrimp is bathed in the luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to marry perfectly before removing the pan from the heat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. This touch doesn’t just add color; it brings a fresh, bright herbal note that balances the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic and lovely here, but feel free to add a few lemon wedges on the side for a burst of extra citrus. A light dusting of parmesan or a handful of chopped chives also works beautifully for an extra flavor pop.
Side Dishes
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines when paired with simple sides that soak up the buttery sauce. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice, toss with your favorite pasta, or accompany with crusty bread to mop up every last drop. For a veggie boost, steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad make wonderful complements.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining or a fun twist, serve the shrimp on toasted baguette slices as crostini or pile it atop creamy polenta for a cozy comfort vibe. Turning the shrimp into tacos with cabbage slaw and avocado slices also delights the palate with exciting textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any shrimp left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the shrimp are cooked in a buttery lemon sauce, the flavors will deepen slightly overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious if not more.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in the lemon garlic sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag and freeze for up to one month. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat. Adding a splash of water, broth, or extra lemon juice will help refresh the sauce and prevent the shrimp from drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can cause rubbery texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and juicy texture. Frozen shrimp work wonderfully in this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe.
What can I substitute for fresh lemon?
If fresh lemons aren’t on hand, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, though it won’t be as bright or fresh. Lemon zest is key for that fragrant citrus punch, so try to have fresh lemons for zesting if possible.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat but are entirely optional. You can adjust the amount or leave them out completely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is easy—just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and don’t steam.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This recipe is a true weeknight hero, taking only about 10 minutes to prep and 8 minutes to cook—perfect for a fast, flavorful dinner that won’t tie up your evening.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is such a joy to make and eat, bringing freshness, richness, and warmth together in one vibrant plate. It’s a dish that meets all the best qualities: quick, simple, delicious, and adaptable. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your repertoire—it’s sure to become a beloved go-to whenever you’re craving something bright and special without the fuss.
Print
Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp are cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice and zest, accented by a hint of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Ready in just under 20 minutes, it’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear during cooking. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce components.
- Sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add lemon flavors and finish sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss the shrimp gently in the sauce to coat evenly, cooking for an additional 1 minute to meld flavors and allow the butter to melt completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp, and serve immediately. Enjoy over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to absorb the flavorful lemon garlic sauce.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to fully enjoy the lemon garlic sauce.
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
