Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Quick & Tasty Recipe

If you’re craving a quick and tasty meal, look no further! Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is simple, tasty, and ready in minutes. This dish combines fresh shrimp with rich butter, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, I’ll guide you step-by-step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful recipe that’s sure to please any palate! Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

– Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

– Salt, to taste

– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

– Lemon wedges, for serving

You need large shrimp for this dish. They bring a nice texture. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. The lemon zest adds brightness, while the juice keeps it zesty. Red pepper flakes give it a little kick. Always season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges for extra zest.

Optional Ingredients for Flavor Enhancement

– White wine or chicken broth

– Different herbs, like thyme or basil

– Garlic powder

If you want more flavor, add white wine or chicken broth. These liquids create a nice sauce. You can also use different herbs to switch things up. Thyme or basil can add new notes. Garlic powder is another option if you like garlic flavor. Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your taste.

For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter. Watch it closely as it melts. You want it to foam but not brown. This keeps the taste fresh and light.

Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about one minute. Stir constantly so the garlic stays golden. Avoid browning the garlic for the best flavor.

Cooking the Shrimp

Now it’s time for the shrimp! Carefully add them to the skillet. Make sure they are in a single even layer. This helps them cook evenly. Season them with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Let the shrimp cook for 2-3 minutes. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque on one side. Once that happens, gently flip each shrimp. This will cook the other side perfectly.

Finishing Touches

It’s time to add that bright flavor! Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the lemon zest over the shrimp too. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will ensure your shrimp is fully cooked and still juicy.

Once done, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Serve the shrimp hot with lemon wedges on the side. Guests can squeeze extra lemon juice on their dish for more zing.

For the full recipe, check out the section above!

Tips & Tricks

How to Choose Fresh Shrimp

To pick fresh shrimp, look for these signs:

– Clear eyes: They should be bright and clear.

– Firm texture: Shrimp should feel firm, not mushy.

– Fresh smell: There should be no strong fishy odor.

– Color: For raw shrimp, a slight sheen is ideal.

You can buy shrimp at local fish markets or grocery stores. Always ask for wild-caught shrimp when possible, as they often taste better.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp

Overcooking shrimp can ruin the dish. Here are some tips:

– Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque.

– Use medium-high heat to cook them quickly.

– Keep an eye on the time; they usually take 4-6 minutes total.

This timing helps keep them juicy and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with these sides:

– Garlic bread: Great for sopping up the sauce.

– Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus work well.

– Rice or pasta: They help balance the meal.

For wine, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc complements shrimp nicely. Enjoy!

Variations

Spicy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

To make your dish spicy, simply adjust the heat. You can add more red pepper flakes to the shrimp. If you want more flavor, try using cayenne pepper or chili powder. Both add warmth without overpowering the lemon.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

You can turn this dish creamy by adding heavy cream. This gives the sauce a rich texture. To make this version, you need:

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Add the cream after cooking the shrimp and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir well to mix the flavors. This results in a smooth and luscious sauce that clings to the shrimp perfectly.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

To change this dish into a pasta meal, simply toss cooked pasta with the shrimp. I recommend using linguine or fettuccine for a great pairing. You’ll also need:

– 8 ounces of pasta

– 1/2 cup pasta water

– Additional lemon zest

Cook the pasta according to the package. Drain and reserve some pasta water. Add the shrimp, pasta, and some of the water to the skillet. Toss everything together and add lemon zest for extra flavor. This makes a wonderful and hearty meal that feels special.

For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

After you make lemon garlic butter shrimp, you may have some leftovers. Here are some best practices for storing them:

– Let the shrimp cool to room temperature.

– Place leftovers in an airtight container.

– Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid.

Long-Term Storage

If you want to keep shrimp for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Here are some tips:

– Wrap the shrimp tightly in plastic wrap.

– Place them in a freezer-safe bag.

– Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

To reheat shrimp without losing texture:

– Thaw in the fridge overnight.

– Heat gently in a skillet over low heat.

Shelf Life of Cooked Shrimp

Cooked shrimp can last in the fridge for a few days. Here’s what you need to know:

– Leftovers will stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge.

– If they smell sour or look slimy, it’s best to throw them away.

Storing your shrimp properly helps keep them tasty and safe to eat. For the full recipe, check out the details above.

FAQs

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using large shrimp. Fresh shrimp always tastes best, but frozen shrimp works too. Just make sure to thaw it properly. When choosing size, go for 16-20 count shrimp. They are big enough to hold the flavor of the lemon garlic butter well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare shrimp in advance. Cook and chill the shrimp, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently in a skillet with a bit of butter. This keeps it tasty without overcooking.

How do I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

To make this dish low-carb, skip any breading or pasta. Instead, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. You can also use avocado oil instead of butter for a keto-friendly fat option.

Is there a vegetarian alternative?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Marinate them in lemon juice and garlic before cooking. This gives them a similar flavor profile to the shrimp. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. For the full recipe, check the link provided.

This blog covered how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. We looked at essential ingredients, like fresh shrimp and garlic, along with key cooking steps. I shared tips for selecting shrimp, avoiding overcooking, and storing leftovers. You can also explore variations, such as a spicy version or shrimp pasta. Remember to enjoy this dish fresh, but feel free to get creative! With these insights, you can impress anyone at your next meal. Cooking shrimp can be simple and delicious. Try it, and make it your own!

- Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Elevate your dinner with this zesty lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe that’s bursting with flavor! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, finished with fresh lemon and a hint of spice. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish is a must-try! Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful dish to your table tonight!

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Ingredients

  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

 

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and melt it until it becomes foamy, ensuring it doesn’t brown.

Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic releases a fragrant aroma but remains golden, avoiding any browning.

Raise the heat to medium-high and carefully add the shrimp to the skillet in a single even layer. Season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.

Allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they turn a lovely pink color and become opaque on one side. Then, gently flip each shrimp to cook the other side.

Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and add the zest over the shrimp. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the shrimp is fully cooked through and still juicy.

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and generously sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness.

Serve the shrimp immediately while hot, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side so guests can add extra zest to their dish if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

Presentation Tips: Serve this dish in a large shallow bowl with a sprinkle of parsley on top for a pop of color. Accompany with the lemon wedges arranged artistically on the side to enhance visual appeal.