If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant dinner that comes together in a flash, the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is bursting with juicy shrimp, golden garlic, and bright lemon, all brought together with a luxurious buttery sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or spooning over fluffy rice. Even on your busiest nights, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen superstar with its irresistible aroma and sunny flavors—and it all happens in just one skillet!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the heart of this recipe, but each ingredient is carefully chosen for its ability to add a unique note to the final dish. From the natural sweetness of the shrimp to the zippy freshness of lemon and parsley, here’s what you’ll need to bring the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe to life:
- Large shrimp: Plump, meaty shrimp become sweet, tender, and beautifully pink—be sure they’re cleaned and patted dry for best results.
- Olive oil: This infuses the dish with a fruity undertone and helps the shrimp develop a gorgeous sear.
- Unsalted butter: For decadent richness and a silky sauce that clings to every shrimp.
- Garlic cloves: The star flavor—minced fresh garlic delivers a punchy, aromatic kick.
- Lemon juice and zest: The juice adds pizzazz, while the zest brings in lovely citrus oils for all-around lemony brightness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of heat that wakes up the whole dish—it’s totally up to your spice preference!
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, but essential, to balance and enhance every flavor in the pan.
- Fresh parsley: A burst of green freshness that makes the shrimp pop with color and herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels—dry shrimp help you achieve that crave-worthy sear. Sprinkle them with a little salt and black pepper for early flavor layering. If you want to experiment, toss the shrimp in a quick 15-minute marinade of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for extra depth, but don’t worry if you skip this; the flavors will still shine!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Warm the olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Be ready for a burst of fragrance—the garlic should sizzle gently, turning just golden and releasing all its aroma without burning, which only takes about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange your shrimp in a single layer in the skillet for the best caramelization. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side; you’ll see them curl, turn pink, and go opaque when they’re perfectly done. Cook in batches if needed—the shrimp deserve their space!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the remaining butter, along with the fresh lemon juice and zest. As the butter melts, it creates a glossy, tangy sauce that clings to the shrimp. Give everything a gentle stir so those garlicky, lemony flavors coat every bite. This only takes a minute, but it’s where all the magic happens.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and shower your shrimp with the chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce is silky and the shrimp are juicy. You can serve the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe over pasta, rice, or with big slices of crusty bread—whatever your heart (and stomach) desires!
How to Serve Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a gorgeous, vibrant color, but also a refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the butter. For an extra flourish, add a few curls of lemon zest right before serving. If you want to impress, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of top-notch olive oil will take it over the top.
Side Dishes
This shrimp begs for a perfect companion. Classic choices include al dente linguine, fluffy jasmine rice, or toasted slices of baguette to catch every drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus—both play wonderfully with the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe’s citrusy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in the mood to dazzle, pile the shrimp onto a large platter and scatter with lemon slices and parsley sprigs. Try skewering the shrimp for a party-ready appetizer, or spoon them over creamy polenta for an elegant twist. However you serve it, this dish is designed to delight both eyes and taste buds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover shrimp should cool completely before being transferred to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though for the best texture and flavor, try to enjoy them as soon as possible.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe, cook the shrimp through, let them cool, and pack in freezer-safe bags with as much air removed as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet on low heat with a splash of extra butter or a spoonful of water to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shrimp rubbery—gentle stovetop reheating will keep them plump and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat them dry thoroughly before cooking. This ensures they sear instead of steam and keeps the texture just right.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just pair it with gluten-free pasta or grains and you’re all set!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or more olive oil. Coconut oil can lend a different flavor but also works for a dairy-free version!
How spicy is this shrimp recipe?
The red pepper flakes offer a subtle warmth that’s very mild—but you can always adjust the amount, leave them out entirely, or bump it up if you’re a spice fan.
What are the best ways to use leftovers?
Chop up any extra shrimp and toss into salads, stir them into pasta with extra veggies, or tuck into wraps for an easy lunch the next day. The flavors remain fresh and lively even after a day in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something quick, zippy, and crowd-pleasing, there’s nothing like this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that never fails to impress, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with how easy (and downright delicious) shrimp night can be!
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Easy 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: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic and lemon butter sauce, finished with fresh parsley, and can be served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
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
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Garlic: Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp, cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Add Flavor: Stir in remaining butter, lemon juice, and zest.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, add parsley, serve hot over pasta or rice.
Notes
- Marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Frozen shrimp can be used; ensure they are thawed and dried before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 pound shrimp
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
