Looking for a quick and easy meal that packs a punch? Look no further than Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp! This delightful dish combines juicy shrimp with zesty lemon and rich garlic butter. In just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dinner that impresses everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe and transform your weeknight meals into something special!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
These ingredients come together for a simple, tasty dish. The main star, shrimp, should be fresh or well-thawed if frozen. The butter adds richness, while garlic gives it a strong flavor. If you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes are perfect. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it refreshing. Finally, fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of flavor.
Kitchen Tools Needed
– Large skillet
– Spatula
– Measuring spoons
– Zester or grater
You only need a few tools for this recipe. A large skillet helps cook the shrimp evenly. A spatula is great for flipping the shrimp without breaking them. Measuring spoons will help you get the right amounts of butter and spices. A zester or grater is important for adding the lemon zest. With these tools, you will make the cooking process easier and more fun.
For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Garlic Butter
1. First, take a large skillet and place it on the stove.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
3. Watch closely. You want it melted, not browned.
4. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic.
5. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. It should smell great but not burn.
6. If you like heat, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Cooking the Shrimp
1. Next, grab 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Do this before cooking.
4. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes without stirring. Let them sear nicely.
5. After that, flip the shrimp over gently. Cook for another 2 minutes.
6. They should turn pink and opaque, which means they’re done.
Finishing Touches
1. Now, reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Zest and juice 1 lemon, then add both to the skillet.
3. Stir until the butter is melted and coats the shrimp evenly.
4. Finally, remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
5. Taste your dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To achieve the perfect sear on shrimp, start with a hot skillet. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding butter. Once the butter melts, it will help create a nice crust on the shrimp.
Next, place the shrimp in a single layer. This ensures even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan. If you have more shrimp, cook them in batches.
Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. Look for a bright pink color. If they turn rubbery, you have cooked them too long.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add extra flavor to your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp in many ways. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro add a unique taste. You might also try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for some heat.
For sides, consider serving this dish with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. A glass of white wine pairs well too. The lemony flavors in the shrimp go nicely with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.
For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking!
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can switch up the shrimp for other seafood. Scallops or lobster tails work great too. Each will bring its own flavor to the dish. If you prefer a lighter meal, try using olive oil instead of butter. This change keeps the dish tasty while cutting some calories. Use the same cooking steps, and you’ll still enjoy a delicious meal.
Dietary Modifications
For those who need gluten-free options, this dish is already safe. Just make sure your shrimp and other ingredients have no gluten. If you want a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative. Coconut oil can add a nice hint of flavor. Both changes maintain the dish’s essence while catering to different diets.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and prevents them from drying out. Place the container in the fridge as soon as the shrimp cools down. They will stay good for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Frozen shrimp can last for up to three months.
Reheating Tips
When you want to enjoy your leftover shrimp, reheating them well is key. You can use a skillet on low heat for the best results. This method helps keep the shrimp juicy and tasty. Simply add a bit of butter or oil to the pan. Heat until warm, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them. Aim for a serving temperature of around 140°F (60°C). This ensures your shrimp tastes fresh and delicious, just like when you first made them. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section!
FAQs
How long does it take to cook shrimp?
Shrimp cooks quickly. It usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the shrimp. Large shrimp cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. So, watch carefully!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight. After thawing, pat them dry. This helps the shrimp sear better in the pan.
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Steamed rice for a filling meal
– Fresh salad for a light contrast
– Garlic bread to soak up the sauce
– Roasted vegetables for added color and taste
These sides complement the shrimp perfectly and add variety to your plate. Explore these options to create a well-rounded meal! For the full recipe, check out the details above.
In this post, we covered how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. You learned about key ingredients like shrimp, butter, and garlic. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for great flavor. You also discovered ways to modify the recipe based on your diet.
Remember, cooking shrimp doesn’t have to be hard. Follow these steps, and you’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your delicious meal and have fun experimenting with flavors!
![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper, to taste These ingredients come together for a simple, tasty dish. The main star, shrimp, should be fresh or well-thawed if frozen. The butter adds richness, while garlic gives it a strong flavor. If you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes are perfect. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it refreshing. Finally, fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of flavor. - Large skillet - Spatula - Measuring spoons - Zester or grater You only need a few tools for this recipe. A large skillet helps cook the shrimp evenly. A spatula is great for flipping the shrimp without breaking them. Measuring spoons will help you get the right amounts of butter and spices. A zester or grater is important for adding the lemon zest. With these tools, you will make the cooking process easier and more fun. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. 1. First, take a large skillet and place it on the stove. 2. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. 3. Watch closely. You want it melted, not browned. 4. Once the butter melts, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. 5. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. It should smell great but not burn. 6. If you like heat, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix well. 1. Next, grab 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. 2. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. 3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Do this before cooking. 4. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes without stirring. Let them sear nicely. 5. After that, flip the shrimp over gently. Cook for another 2 minutes. 6. They should turn pink and opaque, which means they’re done. 1. Now, reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. 2. Zest and juice 1 lemon, then add both to the skillet. 3. Stir until the butter is melted and coats the shrimp evenly. 4. Finally, remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. 5. Taste your dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To achieve the perfect sear on shrimp, start with a hot skillet. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding butter. Once the butter melts, it will help create a nice crust on the shrimp. Next, place the shrimp in a single layer. This ensures even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan. If you have more shrimp, cook them in batches. Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. Look for a bright pink color. If they turn rubbery, you have cooked them too long. You can add extra flavor to your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp in many ways. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro add a unique taste. You might also try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for some heat. For sides, consider serving this dish with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. A glass of white wine pairs well too. The lemony flavors in the shrimp go nicely with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can switch up the shrimp for other seafood. Scallops or lobster tails work great too. Each will bring its own flavor to the dish. If you prefer a lighter meal, try using olive oil instead of butter. This change keeps the dish tasty while cutting some calories. Use the same cooking steps, and you'll still enjoy a delicious meal. For those who need gluten-free options, this dish is already safe. Just make sure your shrimp and other ingredients have no gluten. If you want a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative. Coconut oil can add a nice hint of flavor. Both changes maintain the dish's essence while catering to different diets. After you enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and prevents them from drying out. Place the container in the fridge as soon as the shrimp cools down. They will stay good for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. Frozen shrimp can last for up to three months. When you want to enjoy your leftover shrimp, reheating them well is key. You can use a skillet on low heat for the best results. This method helps keep the shrimp juicy and tasty. Simply add a bit of butter or oil to the pan. Heat until warm, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them. Aim for a serving temperature of around 140°F (60°C). This ensures your shrimp tastes fresh and delicious, just like when you first made them. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! Shrimp cooks quickly. It usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the shrimp. Large shrimp cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. So, watch carefully! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. You can also leave them in the fridge overnight. After thawing, pat them dry. This helps the shrimp sear better in the pan. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice for a filling meal - Fresh salad for a light contrast - Garlic bread to soak up the sauce - Roasted vegetables for added color and taste These sides complement the shrimp perfectly and add variety to your plate. Explore these options to create a well-rounded meal! For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this post, we covered how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. You learned about key ingredients like shrimp, butter, and garlic. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for great flavor. You also discovered ways to modify the recipe based on your diet. Remember, cooking shrimp doesn’t have to be hard. Follow these steps, and you’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your delicious meal and have fun experimenting with flavors!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ad4e36e2-5b3e-4750-affb-004f03be34e5-250x250.webp)