If you’re craving a dinner that bursts with flavor and comes together in under twenty minutes, this Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Each shrimp is infused with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and a kiss of butter, creating a dish that’s both light and decadently satisfying. Whether you serve it over a bed of pasta, tuck it into tacos, or simply savor it with warm crusty bread, this is the kind of simple seafood recipe you’ll want in your back pocket — not only because it’s incredibly fast, but because it never fails to delight. Let’s dive right into making the tastiest, most vibrant Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp you’ve ever tried!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
I absolutely love how this recipe keeps things uncomplicated while still delivering maximum flavor. The stars of the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp come together effortlessly, each ingredient playing a vital role in taste and texture. Prepare to fall for the punchy citrus, mellow garlic, and luscious butter that make this dish shine!
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Go for fresh or frozen—either way, they cook up juicy and tender, letting the bright flavors sing.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This helps sear the shrimp and adds a hint of Mediterranean richness.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Butter brings a velvety finish and a beautiful sheen to the shrimp; saving one tablespoon for the end ups the luxurious factor.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The heart and soul here — fresh garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and depth.
- Lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon): Adds bright citrus perfume without extra acidity.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): For fresh, tangy zing that keeps every bite lively.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Packs a subtle heat; add as much or as little as you like.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors while keeping the dish balanced.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a gentle warmth that pairs perfectly with lemon and garlic.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled at the end, parsley brings freshness and a pop of green.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): For squeezing over right before eating — they add extra vibrancy.
How to Make Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by giving your shrimp a quick pat dry with paper towels. This little trick makes sure they sear rather than steam, creating those irresistible golden edges. Sprinkle them all over with the salt and black pepper: not only does this season the shrimp themselves, but it helps bring out the other savory flavors as they cook.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Buttery Olive Oil
In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter, then crank the heat up to medium-high. As soon as the butter melts and starts to foam, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until everything smells mouthwateringly fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown, since we’re aiming for mellow, not bitter.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Lay the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 2–3 minutes so they develop some lovely color. Flip each shrimp (tongs make this easy), and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly curled—just don’t overcook, or they’ll turn rubbery!
Step 4: Add the Lemon and Spice
Sprinkle in the lemon zest, pour over that fresh lemon juice, and (if you’re feeling bold) a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds so the flavors mesh and the sauce is tangy, garlicky, and just a bit spicy. Take the pan off the heat so the shrimp don’t keep cooking.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Parsley
Right before serving, toss in the last tablespoon of butter and swirl until it melts into the lemony sauce. Shower the shrimp with fresh parsley, then scoop everything onto your favorite serving platter. Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp, ready to devour!
How to Serve Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
Garnishing brings both taste and that fabulous “wow!” factor. I always reach for a handful of extra chopped parsley to scatter over the top, which wakes up the whole dish with its freshness. Add a few lemon wedges on the side—just before digging in, squeeze them over for extra brightness. If you enjoy a little heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes looks beautiful and delivers just the right kick.
Side Dishes
Pairing the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp with simple sides helps the main flavors shine. A bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or buttery angel hair pasta soaks up every drop of sauce and transforms dinner into something special. For a lighter option, serve over crisp salad greens or seasonal roasted vegetables—either way, you’ll want some bread for mopping up every bit!
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp doesn’t have to mean just placing it on a plate. Layer the shrimp onto toasted baguette slices for effortless appetizers, or toss them into warm tortillas for crowd-pleasing shrimp tacos. For a playful dinner, thread each shrimp onto skewers and serve them as a lively Mediterranean-style platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp (I’m honestly impressed with your restraint!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only get bolder as they mingle overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch nearly as exciting as dinner. Eat leftovers within two days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is totally possible if you want to prep ahead for future cravings. Let everything cool to room temperature before transferring shrimp (and as much sauce as you can salvage) to a freezer-safe bag. Lay it flat in the freezer so the shrimp freeze in a single layer, then use within one month for top-notch flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, skip the microwave and use a skillet set over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil if the sauce seems dry. Stir just until the shrimp are heated through—this helps them stay juicy instead of overcooked. Serve immediately and enjoy every last zesty, garlicky bite!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking. This helps the shrimp brown nicely and soak up all those lemony, garlicky flavors.
What size shrimp works best?
I recommend large shrimp for the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp since they’re juicy and substantial, holding up well to the quick sauté. Medium shrimp will also work; just reduce the cooking time so they don’t overcook.
Is it okay to leave the tails on?
Shrimp tails are really a personal preference! Leaving them on looks elegant and gives guests something to grab, especially for appetizers, but if you want less fuss at the table, remove them before cooking.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes, this is a flexible dish! If doubling, use a very large skillet or cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, so each piece still gets nicely seared. Halving is easy, too—just adjust the ingredient measurements accordingly.
What else can I add for extra flavor?
Try deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine right before adding the lemon juice for an instant flavor boost. You can also toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes or swap parsley for cilantro for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying dinner that never disappoints, you truly can’t go wrong with Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp. This recipe brings out the best of simple ingredients and effortless cooking, resulting in a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, share it with friends and family, and let it brighten up your next meal!
Print
Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic and lemon butter sauce, creating a dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Finish Dish: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Stir in the remaining butter and parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
- This shrimp is perfect over pasta, rice, or a salad.
- For extra richness, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the lemon juice.
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