Looking for a quick and tasty meal? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’ll show you how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp—an easy dish packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delightful dinner ready in no time. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
Full Recipe Overview
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish. It combines fresh shrimp with rich butter and bright lemon. This meal takes just 15 minutes to make. It serves four, so it’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Necessary Ingredients
To make this dish, gather these ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
– Lemon wedges for garnish
Suggested Substitutions
You can swap out some ingredients if needed. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter. If you want a different flavor, try lime juice instead of lemon juice. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of parsley for a unique twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Start by gathering your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and fun. You need:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
– Lemon wedges for garnish
Next, wash the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp brown nicely. Zest and juice the lemon. Set these aside for later. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
Cooking Timing Guide
Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Add the butter and let it melt. Keep an eye on it. Once it bubbles, add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. You want the garlic to smell great, but not brown.
After the garlic, add the red pepper flakes and lemon zest. Stir this mix for another minute. It should smell amazing! Now, gently add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque.
Once cooked, pour in the lemon juice. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for 1 more minute. This thickens the sauce a little.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp
To get the best shrimp, always use fresh or thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work, but they may release water. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This helps the shrimp sear nicely.
If you love spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. For a twist, try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill. These can brighten the dish even more!
Don’t forget to serve your shrimp right away. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. For a complete meal, pair your shrimp with crusty bread or fluffy rice. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish!
Tips & Tricks
Flavor Enhancements
To make your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp even better, you can add a few simple touches. Consider using fresh herbs like basil or dill for a fresh taste. You can also try adding a splash of white wine while cooking. This will give the dish a nice depth and richness. If you like heat, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. A sprinkle of lemon zest at the end adds brightness and aroma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:
– Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
– Burning the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if it burns. Cook it gently and stir often.
– Not seasoning enough: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice for the best flavor.
Recommended Cooking Tools
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Here are some must-haves for this recipe:
– A large skillet or pan: This ensures even cooking and enough space for the shrimp.
– A good quality chef’s knife: Use it for chopping garlic and herbs.
– A zester: This tool helps you get the lemon zest without the bitter white pith.
– A spatula: Use it to turn the shrimp without breaking them.
For the full recipe, check the details above and enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
Spicy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
To spice things up, add more heat. Use more red pepper flakes. You could also add fresh diced jalapeños. This gives your dish a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste. If you love heat, go for it!
Herb-Infused Versions
Herbs can brighten the flavor. Try adding fresh basil or dill. You can also use thyme or oregano. These herbs mix well with lemon and shrimp. They add freshness and depth. Chop the herbs finely and add them at the end for the best flavor.
Alternative Proteins
If you want something new, use other proteins. Chicken or scallops work well with this recipe. You can even try tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time. Make sure to cook until fully done for safety. Each protein brings a different taste, making your meal unique!
For the complete recipe, please refer to the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can keep leftover lemon garlic butter shrimp in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools down first before sealing it. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and tasty.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save shrimp for later, freezing works well. Put the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your shrimp, use a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to keep it moist. Heat gently, stirring often, for about five minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. This method helps you avoid overcooking the shrimp. Enjoy the bright flavors all over again! For a full recipe, check the full recipe section.
FAQs
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Ahead of Time?
You can make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and sauce as usual. Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a little extra butter and lemon juice to freshen it up.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. Drain and pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and absorb the flavors well.
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the sauce.
– Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with the shrimp for a hearty meal.
– Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the garlic butter.
– Salad: A fresh green salad adds a crisp texture.
– Vegetables: Sautéed or steamed veggies make a nice contrast.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
This blog post covered all you need to make lemon garlic butter shrimp. We discussed the key ingredients, optional substitutions, and the full recipe. You learned step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and common mistakes to avoid. We also explored tasty variations and proper storage methods.
In conclusion, cooking shrimp can be fun and easy. With these tips, you can enjoy great meals. Try different flavors and enjoy your culinary success!
![Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish. It combines fresh shrimp with rich butter and bright lemon. This meal takes just 15 minutes to make. It serves four, so it's perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. To make this dish, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on your spice preference) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon wedges for garnish You can swap out some ingredients if needed. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter. If you want a different flavor, try lime juice instead of lemon juice. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of parsley for a unique twist. Start by gathering your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and fun. You need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon wedges for garnish Next, wash the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp brown nicely. Zest and juice the lemon. Set these aside for later. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Add the butter and let it melt. Keep an eye on it. Once it bubbles, add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. You want the garlic to smell great, but not brown. After the garlic, add the red pepper flakes and lemon zest. Stir this mix for another minute. It should smell amazing! Now, gently add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, pour in the lemon juice. Stir everything together. Let it simmer for 1 more minute. This thickens the sauce a little. To get the best shrimp, always use fresh or thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work, but they may release water. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This helps the shrimp sear nicely. If you love spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. For a twist, try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill. These can brighten the dish even more! Don’t forget to serve your shrimp right away. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. For a complete meal, pair your shrimp with crusty bread or fluffy rice. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish! To make your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp even better, you can add a few simple touches. Consider using fresh herbs like basil or dill for a fresh taste. You can also try adding a splash of white wine while cooking. This will give the dish a nice depth and richness. If you like heat, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. A sprinkle of lemon zest at the end adds brightness and aroma. Many home cooks make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for: - Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook fast. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. - Burning the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if it burns. Cook it gently and stir often. - Not seasoning enough: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice for the best flavor. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Here are some must-haves for this recipe: - A large skillet or pan: This ensures even cooking and enough space for the shrimp. - A good quality chef’s knife: Use it for chopping garlic and herbs. - A zester: This tool helps you get the lemon zest without the bitter white pith. - A spatula: Use it to turn the shrimp without breaking them. For the full recipe, check the details above and enjoy your cooking adventure! {{image_4}} To spice things up, add more heat. Use more red pepper flakes. You could also add fresh diced jalapeños. This gives your dish a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste. If you love heat, go for it! Herbs can brighten the flavor. Try adding fresh basil or dill. You can also use thyme or oregano. These herbs mix well with lemon and shrimp. They add freshness and depth. Chop the herbs finely and add them at the end for the best flavor. If you want something new, use other proteins. Chicken or scallops work well with this recipe. You can even try tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time. Make sure to cook until fully done for safety. Each protein brings a different taste, making your meal unique! For the complete recipe, please refer to the Full Recipe. You can keep leftover lemon garlic butter shrimp in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure it cools down first before sealing it. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and tasty. If you want to save shrimp for later, freezing works well. Put the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. To reheat your shrimp, use a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to keep it moist. Heat gently, stirring often, for about five minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. This method helps you avoid overcooking the shrimp. Enjoy the bright flavors all over again! For a full recipe, check the full recipe section. You can make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and sauce as usual. Let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a little extra butter and lemon juice to freshen it up. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. Drain and pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and absorb the flavors well. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the sauce. - Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with the shrimp for a hearty meal. - Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the garlic butter. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds a crisp texture. - Vegetables: Sautéed or steamed veggies make a nice contrast. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered all you need to make lemon garlic butter shrimp. We discussed the key ingredients, optional substitutions, and the full recipe. You learned step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and common mistakes to avoid. We also explored tasty variations and proper storage methods. In conclusion, cooking shrimp can be fun and easy. With these tips, you can enjoy great meals. Try different flavors and enjoy your culinary success!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3df79ce1-191e-44cb-9a91-02cae1f934e5-250x250.webp)