Lemon Butter Shrimp Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s equal parts classy and comforting, Lemon Butter Shrimp absolutely delivers. This dish brings together plump, juicy shrimp, a swoon-worthy lemon butter sauce, and a punch of fresh garlic — all ready in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for guests, but simple and speedy enough for a busy weeknight. One skillet, a handful of staple ingredients, and a few luscious flavors combine to create the ultimate seafood treat you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Butter Shrimp is how just a few basics come together for maximum impact. Every ingredient has a role to play in taste, color, or texture, making this dish bright, rich, and satisfying.

• Shrimp: Go for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the juiciest bites and easiest eating.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to every shrimp and gives a golden sear.
• Salt: Brings out all the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
• Garlic powder: Infuses seasoning directly onto the shrimp before cooking.
• Paprika: Delivers a faint smokiness and that gorgeous orange-pink color.
• Unsalted butter: The base of the sauce, offering richness and silky texture.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Three cloves for bold, aromatic flavor in every bite.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best for a bright, zesty finish.
• Red pepper flakes: For a little spark of spicy heat (or a lot, if you love it!)
• Chicken broth or white wine: Adds body and savory complexity to the sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley gives a hit of color and balance.
• Extra salt: Taste and adjust as needed for perfect seasoning.

How to Make Lemon Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry using paper towels — this is the secret to a perfect sear. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The spices cling beautifully to the shrimp, setting you up for bold flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a big cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned shrimp in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding (cook in batches if you need), so each shrimp can caramelize on the edges. You’re aiming for a quick 2-3 minutes per side, just until they’re pink and opaque. Set them aside once cooked, but keep the skillet on the stove — it’s sauce time!

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Toss in the unsalted butter and, once it’s melted, add your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant (but not browned). Next, pour in the lemon juice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and your chosen liquid (broth or wine). Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens up just enough to feel rich.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return your cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together so the Lemon Butter Shrimp soak up all that dreamy sauce. Just another minute of heat to marry the flavors. Shower with fresh parsley before serving to brighten things up. This dish is destined to be served immediately, straight out of the skillet for ultimate flavor.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Shrimp

Garnishes

Make your Lemon Butter Shrimp pop with a flourish of chopped parsley, an extra squeeze of fresh lemon, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra citrusy lift. For a spark of color and punch, a dusting of paprika or a few extra red pepper flakes look (and taste) fantastic.

Side Dishes

This saucy dish begs for something to soak up every drop of flavor. Crusty bread, fluffy rice, or a twirl of angel hair pasta round out the meal perfectly. For a lighter side, serve with steamed asparagus, crisp green beans, or a bright green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping dinner, serve Lemon Butter Shrimp in individual cast-iron pans or shallow bowls. Spoon shrimp and sauce over garlicky toasted bread for an appetizer, or pile everything over creamy risotto for pure indulgence. Pro tip: tuck a couple of lemon wedges alongside each plate for squeeze-as-you-eat freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (not a guarantee!), store your Lemon Butter Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors stay bold, and the shrimp remain juicy if you don’t overcook them when reheating.

Freezing

While you can freeze Lemon Butter Shrimp, the texture of shrimp is best enjoyed fresh — they can become a little rubbery after thawing. If needed, freeze the shrimp and sauce separately in zip-top bags for up to one month, defrosting in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To keep shrimp tender, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with an extra splash of broth or water until just warmed through. Microwave only in short bursts, stirring often, so you don’t overcook and toughen the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Lemon Butter Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan. The goal is a lovely sear and juicy texture.

Is there a substitute for chicken broth or wine in the sauce?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even water if needed. For extra tang, try a splash of more lemon juice or a touch of white vinegar, adjusting the seasoning to taste.

How can I add more citrus flavor to my Lemon Butter Shrimp?

Try adding a pinch of freshly grated lemon zest to the sauce or as a garnish right before serving. The zest packs a concentrated citrus punch and really brightens each bite.

Can I make the Lemon Butter Shrimp sauce creamier?

Certainly! Stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, silkier sauce — it’s a great twist for an extra-indulgent dish.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large shrimp are perfect for soaking up the sauce while staying plump and juicy, but medium shrimp work too — just slightly reduce the cook time to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Butter Shrimp is the kind of recipe that turns a handful of ingredients into a dish that feels straight out of a restaurant, yet it’s astonishingly easy to pull off at home. If you’ve never tried making it, go ahead and treat yourself — you might just discover your new favorite weeknight hero!

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