If you are craving a dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavor and offers a perfect balance of spice and buttery richness, this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, packed with fragrant lemon pepper seasoning, and delivers shrimp that are crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe brings effortless elegance and bold taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role to bring out the best in the shrimp, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is visually appealing.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps create a crispy coating that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Lemon pepper seasoning (3 teaspoons plus extra): The heart of the dish, infusing the shrimp with citrusy, peppery sharpness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory undertone that complements the bright lemon notes.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): Fresh or thawed, these little gems are the star of the recipe.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Brings richness and helps achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Cooking oil (1-2 teaspoons): Prevents sticking and supports a crisp texture in the pan.
- Fresh lemon juice (to taste): Added at the end for a bright, fresh zing that elevates the flavors.
- Your favorite vegetable sides, grains, or pasta: To complete the meal and soak up any lovely juices.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl. This seasoned flour will coat the shrimp beautifully, creating a crispy and flavorful crust once cooked.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss them until every shrimp is fully and evenly coated with the seasoned flour. This step ensures that each bite delivers that perfect crunch and zesty flavor.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter along with a small amount of cooking oil. Let the butter melt completely and the oil become hot, setting the stage for that gorgeous sear on the shrimp.
Step 4: Cook the First Batch
Shake off any excess flour from the shrimp before arranging them in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook without disturbing for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are crisply browned on one side — this sear locks in juices and flavor.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they have a golden crust on both sides and are perfectly cooked through. Remove the shrimp and keep them warm.
Step 6: Repeat with Remaining Shrimp
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and cook the rest of the shrimp in the same way. This ensures even cooking and maintains that irresistible texture for the entire batch.
Step 7: Final Touches
Plate the shrimp and, if you love that extra punch, sprinkle on more lemon pepper seasoning and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This simple finishing touch brightens the whole dish and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a pop of color and fresh aroma, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor complexity. A wedge of lemon on the side invites your guests to add an extra citrus burst as they wish.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with vibrant vegetable sides such as steamed asparagus, sautéed green beans, or roasted bell peppers. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy risotto, or your favorite pasta to soak up every bit of the buttery, zesty goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your shrimp in crunchy lettuce wraps for a light, fresh appetizer or over a crisp salad to balance texture. For a fun dinner twist, pile the shrimp into a soft tortilla with avocado and a drizzle of garlic aioli for a delightful shrimp taco variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To keep the crispiness, avoid stacking them too tightly and add a little extra lemon pepper seasoning when reheating.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this recipe, you can freeze cooked Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe leftovers in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Make sure they cool completely before freezing, and separate portions with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat with a small knob of butter to revive that golden crust. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the shrimp from turning rubbery and soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before coating them with the seasoned flour. Dry shrimp helps you get that perfect crispy exterior.
Is this recipe spicy?
The lemon pepper seasoning has a zesty, slightly peppery kick but is generally mild. You can adjust the amount of seasoning or add extra black pepper if you like more heat.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or almond flour. Keep in mind this might slightly change the texture but will still give a nice coating.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can try using shrimp alternatives like king oyster mushrooms or seasoned tofu, and substitute butter with plant-based margarine or oil to create a similar flavor profile without animal products.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Cooked shrimp turn pink and firm with opaque flesh. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so follow the recommended cook times carefully for tender, juicy results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way the bright zest of lemon pepper seasoning mingles with buttery, perfectly cooked shrimp in this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile enough to please any crowd. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this zesty, crispy dish one of your go-to favorites for busy weeknights or casual gatherings alike.
Print
Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring shrimp coated in a zesty seasoned flour mixture, pan-fried to a crispy golden perfection with butter and a hint of lemon. Perfectly paired with your choice of vegetable sides, grains, or pasta, this meal is a delightful option for a fast and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1/2 cup (63 g) all purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound (454 g) frozen or fresh shrimp, thawed or peeled and deveined
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, divided
- 1–2 teaspoons cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil, as needed)
Garnish and Serving
- Lemon pepper seasoning, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Your favorite vegetable sides, grains, or pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt until well combined to create the flavorful coating for the shrimp.
- Coat Shrimp: Add the thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the flour mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure each shrimp is fully coated with the seasoned flour for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter along with a small amount of cooking oil. Allow the butter to melt completely and the oil to become hot, providing a perfect cooking medium for the shrimp.
- Cook First Batch: Shake off any excess flour from the shrimp and arrange them in a single, even layer in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns crispy and golden brown.
- Flip Shrimp: Carefully flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are evenly browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Second Batch: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and melt. Repeat the cooking process with the rest of the shrimp to ensure all are perfectly cooked.
- Serve: Plate the cooked shrimp and optionally sprinkle with extra lemon pepper seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve alongside your choice of vegetable sides, grains, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or properly thawed shrimp to avoid excess moisture that can prevent crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure shrimp cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice to your taste preference before serving.
- If preferred, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable or light olive oil to prevent burning during cooking.
