Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. With succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and butter, this dish bursts with freshness and is ready in just minutes. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it a versatile favorite for seafood lovers.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
largeraw shrimp (peeled and deveined)garlic (minced)lemon juicelemon zestunsalted butterolive oilsaltblack pepperred pepper flakes (optional)fresh parsley (chopped)
directions
Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 5-7 minutesTotal time: 15-17 minutes
Variations
Add white wine for a richer sauce.
Use lime instead of lemon for a tangy twist.
Serve over linguine for a simple pasta dish.
Include diced tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and color.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
Cook until just pink and opaque; overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
What type of shrimp is best?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use only olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mildly spicy with red pepper flakes; adjust to taste.
Can I grill the shrimp?
Yes, marinate briefly, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
What sides go well with this dish?
Rice, pasta, salad, or crusty bread are excellent options.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well.
How do I make it creamy?
Add a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone at the end.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Cooked shrimp can be frozen, but it’s best fresh.
Conclusion
Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in minutes. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, it’s sure to impress with its bold taste and simplicity. Add it to your weekly rotation for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
PrintBest Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a bright lemon‑garlic butter sauce, perfect as a weeknight dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested & juiced)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat until butter is melted and sizzling.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink; remove shrimp and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add garlic to skillet, sauté ~30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn).
- Add lemon zest, juice, and red pepper flakes; simmer for ~1 minute, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return shrimp to the skillet; toss to coat in sauce for another minute.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Don’t overcook shrimp — they’re done as soon as they turn pink.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- To make a lighter version, skip the butter and use 4 tbsp olive oil instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~¼ lb shrimp
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
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