This Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish that brings together juicy shrimp and zesty lemon in a rich butter sauce. Perfect for a speedy dinner!
Trust me, once you smell that garlic sizzling, you’ll be hooked! I love serving it over pasta or rice. It’s like a little taste of sunshine on a plate! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for this recipe to get that juicy bite! If fresh shrimp is hard to find, frozen shrimp works too; just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning. However, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand; just adjust the added salt.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work as a substitute, but use less since it’s stronger.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice is fine, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. You might also try lime for a different twist!
Olive Oil: This helps to cook the shrimp without burning the butter. Feel free to swap it with another oil like avocado oil, which also has a high smoke point.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be quick and easy, but timing is key! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start with a hot skillet. This helps to sear the shrimp and lock in their juices.
- Keep an eye on the color. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn an opaque pink. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done!
- Flip them only once to avoid disturbing them too much. This helps to get that nice seared look on each side.
With this technique, you’ll have tender and juicy shrimp every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on for presentation)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds plus juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of spice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking. So, in just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter melts and the mixture is hot.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Just be careful not to let it brown; we want it fragrant and delicious, not burnt!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season them with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and slightly golden. Then, gently flip each shrimp over.
4. Add Lemon and Butter:
Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the lemon juice, and the lemon slices. Keep cooking for about another 2 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
While the shrimp are cooking, use a spoon to drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp as it simmers. Let it thicken slightly; this will make the flavor extra rich!
6. Final Touches:
Once everything is ready, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp and give everything a gentle toss to mix.
7. Serve:
Serve the shrimp immediately right in the skillet or transfer them to a lovely serving plate. Make sure to spoon some of that extra garlic butter sauce on top. It’s perfect to enjoy with crusty bread, over pasta, rice, or a fresh side salad!
Enjoy your savory Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp! 🍤✨
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in a sealed bag under cold water for quick thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemon?
No worries! You can use bottled lemon juice as an alternative, but fresh lemon adds a brighter flavor. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice can also work as a tasty substitute!
How Should I Store Leftover Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the shrimp moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or even toss in some diced jalapeños while cooking. Just adjust it to your preferred spice level!
