Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Mouthwatering Flavor Dish

May 11, 2025 by lisa

Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that bursts with flavor? Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is quick to make and oh-so-delicious. With just a few simple ingredients like large shrimp, garlic, and fresh lemon, you can create a mouthwatering meal in no time. Let’s dive into this recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

– Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh parsley

– Lemon wedges

To create the best lemon garlic butter shrimp, you need a few key items. Large shrimp are essential. They soak up the flavors well and cook quickly. I recommend using fresh shrimp for the best taste. Unsalted butter brings a rich, creamy base. It melts smoothly and adds depth to the dish. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and flavor. Use fresh, minced garlic for a stronger taste.

Lemon is the star here. The zest adds bright notes, while the juice gives a zing. Red pepper flakes bring a bit of heat. You can adjust this to match your spice level. Lastly, season with salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors.

For garnishing, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Lemon wedges on the side give an extra burst of zest when served. This combination of ingredients makes your dish not just tasty but also visually appealing.

I encourage you to check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps to bring these ingredients to life.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Preparing the skillet

Start by selecting a large skillet. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let the butter melt until it becomes foamy. This foamy state shows it’s hot enough for cooking.

– Prepping shrimp

While the butter melts, grab one pound of large shrimp. It’s best to use shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. If not, do this step first. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry shrimp cook better and absorb flavors well.

Cooking Steps

– Melting butter and sautéing garlic

Once the butter is foamy, add four cloves of minced garlic. Stir the garlic into the butter. Then sprinkle in one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about one minute. The smell should be fragrant but the garlic should not brown.

– Cooking shrimp to perfection

Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer into the skillet. Season them with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side. They will turn pink and opaque. Flip them over gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Ensure they are cooked through.

– Adding lemon juice and zest

Once the shrimp look done, pour the zest and juice of one large lemon over them. This adds a bright flavor. Stir everything together gently. Let it cook for another minute to blend the flavors well.

Serving Suggestions

– Serving with lemon wedges

When ready to serve, plate the shrimp hot from the skillet. Add fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Place lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.

– Pairing options

This dish pairs well with rice or pasta. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. Each option complements the lemon garlic butter flavor perfectly. Enjoy your delicious meal!

For the full recipe, check out the details above.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To make the best lemon garlic butter shrimp, avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, making your dish less enjoyable.

For perfect flavor balance, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and lemon add a bright taste. The butter creates a rich base that ties all the flavors together. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. A little heat enhances the dish without overwhelming it.

Preparation Tips

Peeling and deveining shrimp can be quick. Start by holding the shrimp in one hand. Use your other hand to twist off the head, if it’s still on. Next, pull off the shell. Then, make a shallow cut along the back to remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water. This step ensures clean, tasty shrimp for your dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want alternatives for butter, try olive oil or ghee. Both can give your dish a different flavor while keeping it rich. If you’re looking to cut calories, use a light butter spread.

For seasonings, mix things up! Instead of red pepper flakes, try paprika for a smoky taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also add a unique twist. These small changes can make your lemon garlic butter shrimp feel new each time.

Explore more cooking ideas in the Full Recipe!

Variations

Spicy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

You can spice up your lemon garlic butter shrimp easily. Start by adjusting the spice levels to fit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. A hint of spice can make the meal even more exciting. Just sprinkle in the flakes while cooking to get the flavor just right.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Want a full meal? Try lemon garlic shrimp pasta! Cook your shrimp as usual, then toss it with your favorite pasta. This makes a delicious and filling dish. The lemon and garlic flavors blend well with the pasta. You can add some veggies for extra color and nutrition. This way, you turn a simple shrimp dish into a feast.

Grilled Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Grilling is a fantastic option for summer. Grilled lemon garlic butter shrimp adds a smoky flavor. Marinate your shrimp in the lemon garlic mix before grilling. This way, the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. Grill them for a few minutes on each side. You’ll get a perfect char and juicy shrimp. Serve it at your next barbecue for a crowd-pleaser!

For more details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe.

Storage Info

Freezing Shrimp

To freeze leftover lemon garlic butter shrimp, first cool it down. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. This helps prevent sticking. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the shrimp for up to three months.

Refrigeration

If you want to store your shrimp in the fridge, place it in an airtight container. The shrimp will stay fresh for about one to two days. Make sure to keep it in the coldest part of your fridge. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a bad smell, throw it away.

Reheating Tips

To reheat the shrimp, use a skillet on low heat. Add a little butter or oil to keep it moist. Heat gently for about 3-5 minutes. You can also microwave the shrimp, but do this in short bursts. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and full of flavor. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery. Enjoy your delicious dish again! For the full recipe, check out the previous section.

FAQs

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, large shrimp work best. Look for shrimp that is fresh, firm, and pink. It is crucial to peel and devein them before cooking. You can also use wild-caught shrimp for better taste and texture. Fresh shrimp adds a lovely flavor to the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Can this recipe be made with frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to remove excess water. This step helps the shrimp sear nicely in the skillet. Follow the same cooking steps outlined in the full recipe for delicious results.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To make this dish less spicy, simply reduce the red pepper flakes. You can start with a pinch instead of a full teaspoon. Another option is to leave out the red pepper flakes altogether. The lemon and garlic will still provide great flavor without the heat. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal!

This blog post covered the tasty shrimp dish you can easily make. We talked about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, variations, and storage tips. Remember, fresh shrimp and good seasonings make all the difference. You can enjoy your shrimp in many ways, from spicy to grilled. Now you have everything to impress your family or guests. Cook with confidence and have fun in the kitchen!

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley - Lemon wedges To create the best lemon garlic butter shrimp, you need a few key items. Large shrimp are essential. They soak up the flavors well and cook quickly. I recommend using fresh shrimp for the best taste. Unsalted butter brings a rich, creamy base. It melts smoothly and adds depth to the dish. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and flavor. Use fresh, minced garlic for a stronger taste. Lemon is the star here. The zest adds bright notes, while the juice gives a zing. Red pepper flakes bring a bit of heat. You can adjust this to match your spice level. Lastly, season with salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. For garnishing, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Lemon wedges on the side give an extra burst of zest when served. This combination of ingredients makes your dish not just tasty but also visually appealing. I encourage you to check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps to bring these ingredients to life. - Preparing the skillet Start by selecting a large skillet. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let the butter melt until it becomes foamy. This foamy state shows it's hot enough for cooking. - Prepping shrimp While the butter melts, grab one pound of large shrimp. It’s best to use shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. If not, do this step first. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry shrimp cook better and absorb flavors well. - Melting butter and sautéing garlic Once the butter is foamy, add four cloves of minced garlic. Stir the garlic into the butter. Then sprinkle in one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for about one minute. The smell should be fragrant but the garlic should not brown. - Cooking shrimp to perfection Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer into the skillet. Season them with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side. They will turn pink and opaque. Flip them over gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Ensure they are cooked through. - Adding lemon juice and zest Once the shrimp look done, pour the zest and juice of one large lemon over them. This adds a bright flavor. Stir everything together gently. Let it cook for another minute to blend the flavors well. - Serving with lemon wedges When ready to serve, plate the shrimp hot from the skillet. Add fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Place lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. - Pairing options This dish pairs well with rice or pasta. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. Each option complements the lemon garlic butter flavor perfectly. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make the best lemon garlic butter shrimp, avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, making your dish less enjoyable. For perfect flavor balance, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and lemon add a bright taste. The butter creates a rich base that ties all the flavors together. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. A little heat enhances the dish without overwhelming it. Peeling and deveining shrimp can be quick. Start by holding the shrimp in one hand. Use your other hand to twist off the head, if it's still on. Next, pull off the shell. Then, make a shallow cut along the back to remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water. This step ensures clean, tasty shrimp for your dish. If you want alternatives for butter, try olive oil or ghee. Both can give your dish a different flavor while keeping it rich. If you're looking to cut calories, use a light butter spread. For seasonings, mix things up! Instead of red pepper flakes, try paprika for a smoky taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also add a unique twist. These small changes can make your lemon garlic butter shrimp feel new each time. Explore more cooking ideas in the Full Recipe! {{image_2}} You can spice up your lemon garlic butter shrimp easily. Start by adjusting the spice levels to fit your taste. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick. A hint of spice can make the meal even more exciting. Just sprinkle in the flakes while cooking to get the flavor just right. Want a full meal? Try lemon garlic shrimp pasta! Cook your shrimp as usual, then toss it with your favorite pasta. This makes a delicious and filling dish. The lemon and garlic flavors blend well with the pasta. You can add some veggies for extra color and nutrition. This way, you turn a simple shrimp dish into a feast. Grilling is a fantastic option for summer. Grilled lemon garlic butter shrimp adds a smoky flavor. Marinate your shrimp in the lemon garlic mix before grilling. This way, the shrimp soak up all the tasty flavors. Grill them for a few minutes on each side. You’ll get a perfect char and juicy shrimp. Serve it at your next barbecue for a crowd-pleaser! For more details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. To freeze leftover lemon garlic butter shrimp, first cool it down. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. This helps prevent sticking. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the shrimp for up to three months. If you want to store your shrimp in the fridge, place it in an airtight container. The shrimp will stay fresh for about one to two days. Make sure to keep it in the coldest part of your fridge. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a bad smell, throw it away. To reheat the shrimp, use a skillet on low heat. Add a little butter or oil to keep it moist. Heat gently for about 3-5 minutes. You can also microwave the shrimp, but do this in short bursts. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and full of flavor. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery. Enjoy your delicious dish again! For the full recipe, check out the previous section. For this recipe, large shrimp work best. Look for shrimp that is fresh, firm, and pink. It is crucial to peel and devein them before cooking. You can also use wild-caught shrimp for better taste and texture. Fresh shrimp adds a lovely flavor to the lemon garlic butter sauce. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to remove excess water. This step helps the shrimp sear nicely in the skillet. Follow the same cooking steps outlined in the full recipe for delicious results. To make this dish less spicy, simply reduce the red pepper flakes. You can start with a pinch instead of a full teaspoon. Another option is to leave out the red pepper flakes altogether. The lemon and garlic will still provide great flavor without the heat. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! This blog post covered the tasty shrimp dish you can easily make. We talked about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, variations, and storage tips. Remember, fresh shrimp and good seasonings make all the difference. You can enjoy your shrimp in many ways, from spicy to grilled. Now you have everything to impress your family or guests. Cook with confidence and have fun in the kitchen!$