Why make this recipe
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delicious and quick meal that anyone can enjoy. This dish combines the bright flavor of lemon with the rich taste of butter and the aromatic essence of garlic. It’s not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, shrimp cooks quickly, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal in less than 30 minutes.
How to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cooking Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp requires just a few simple steps. Follow these directions to create a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends.
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
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts.
- Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure to stir them regularly to cook evenly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest along with chopped parsley, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Serve immediately, optionally over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to serve Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp can be served in various ways. Here are some suggestions:
- Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and garlic butter sauce with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.
- On Rice: Serve the shrimp over rice. The rice will absorb the flavorful sauce, creating a delightful dish.
- With Bread: Pair the shrimp with crusty bread. Use the bread to soak up the lemon-garlic butter sauce.
- On a Salad: You can also serve the shrimp on a fresh salad for a lighter option.
The key is to enjoy this dish while it’s hot for the best flavor experience!
How to store Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
If you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to keep the shrimp fresh. Here’s how you can store this dish:
- In the Refrigerator: Allow the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp to cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- In the Freezer: You can also freeze the shrimp. Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet.
Tips to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Try Different Herbs: While parsley is a great option, feel free to experiment with other herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it, and remove the skillet from the heat as soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding some vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the skillet for a colorful and nutritious boost.
Variation
If you like experimenting in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to vary this recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Coconut Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Substitute the butter with coconut oil for a tropical twist.
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamy sauce.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos: Serve the cooked shrimp in corn tortillas with fresh toppings like cabbage and avocado for a tasty taco night.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them in advance for even cooking.
2. What should I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
This dish goes well with pasta, rice, or a hearty piece of bread. You can also serve it as a topping on salads.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time, then just add the shrimp when you’re ready to eat. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is not just a way to prepare a meal; it’s an opportunity to enjoy a burst of flavors and aromas in your kitchen. With these simple instructions and tips, you can recreate this dish easily and share it with loved ones. Enjoy!
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A quick and delicious meal that combines the bright flavor of lemon with rich butter and aromatic garlic, perfect for any occasion.
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
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts.
- Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure to stir them regularly to cook evenly.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest along with chopped parsley, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Serve immediately, optionally over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
For the best flavor, serve this dish hot. Fresh shrimp is recommended for optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: shrimp, lemon, garlic, quick meal, seafood recipes