If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavor and comes together in a flash, this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together succulent shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest, and finished with a hint of fresh parsley. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, this recipe balances simplicity and sophistication in every bite, making it a beloved favorite you’ll return to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in the straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and beckons everyone to the table.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, shrimp cook quickly and offer a sweet, tender bite that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for sautéing garlic and shrimp without overpowering their natural taste.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness and helps to create that glossy, irresistible sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with savory depth; fresh garlic makes all the difference here.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Gives a fresh, aromatic hit that brightens the entire plate without extra acidity.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Brings a tangy zing that balances the richness of butter and complements the shrimp perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just a sprinkle adds a subtle kick that livens up the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors forward.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Provides a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens every bite.
How to Make Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by giving your shrimp a quick pat dry using paper towels—this simple step helps them sear beautifully without steaming, creating that perfect texture. Having them dry ensures each shrimp gets a lovely golden edge when cooked.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and shimmering. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, just until fragrant. Watch closely because garlic cooks fast and burns easily, and burnt garlic can turn bitter, so we’re aiming for a fragrant, golden aroma here.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer, so they cook evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, and if you love a little heat, sprinkle on the red pepper flakes now. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque, which means they’re perfectly done—tender and juicy without any rubberiness.
Step 4: Add Lemon Flavor and Finish the Sauce
Now, stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp in that zesty, buttery goodness. Let it cook for just an extra minute to marry the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
Step 5: Garnish with Parsley
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp to add a bright green contrast and fresh herbal note that finishes the dish beautifully. Now it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch, you could also add a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra splash of citrus. For a hint of warmth and color, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or additional red pepper flakes. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving deepens the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines alongside simple sides that absorb its vibrant sauce. Try serving it over fluffy white rice or a bed of linguine to turn it into a hearty meal. For lighter options, steamed asparagus, garlic roasted broccoli, or a crisp mixed green salad complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the shrimp on toasted baguette slices as an elegant appetizer, or spoon the shrimp and sauce over creamy polenta for a cozy dinner. Another fun idea is to tuck the shrimp into warm tortillas with fresh avocado and a sprinkle of cilantro for a vibrant shrimp taco twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cool the shrimp completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they remain fresh for up to two days without losing their delicate flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked shrimp, but for best taste, freeze the shrimp separately from the sauce. Freeze shrimp in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to toughen shrimp. Quickly heating ensures they stay tender and flavorful, just like freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This will help them sear properly and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional and used sparingly, so the dish has only a gentle hint of heat. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit it entirely for a mild flavor.
Can I substitute the butter with a dairy-free option?
Yes! You can use vegan butter or a little extra olive oil to keep the dish dairy-free. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and rich.
How long does this recipe take to make?
From start to finish, the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe takes about 18 minutes—10 minutes prep and 8 minutes cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful fast.
What can I serve with this shrimp for a complete meal?
Pair it with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Crusty bread works wonderfully to soak up every bit of the tangy garlic lemon sauce, making every bite extra satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you want a quick, flavorful meal that feels special without a ton of fuss, this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe should be on your regular rotation. It’s fresh, bright, and buttery—the kind of dish that makes you smile at the first bite and keeps you coming back for more. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight wonders.
Print
Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter and fresh lemon sauce, it comes together in under 20 minutes and can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the shrimp sear properly and prevents steaming during cooking. Set aside.
- Heat Pan and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once butter melts and begins to sizzle slightly, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently and making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through.
- Add Lemon and Finish Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss the shrimp gently to coat evenly in the lemon garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately, ideally with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the lemon garlic sauce.
- For added flavor, marinate the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
