Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is an incredibly easy dinner recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal. You’ll create a flavorful dish that comes together in minutes, satisfying your cravings for something delicious and simple.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen (thawed) raw shrimp.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best. You can use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential. Bottled lemon juice is a good alternative if fresh isn’t available.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2-3
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, small bowl, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. This creates your simple yet delicious sauce base.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4. Combine and Finish
Pour your lemon garlic butter sauce over the cooked shrimp in the skillet. Toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve Immediately
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Serve your easy dinner recipe hot with your favorite sides.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Stir in some fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until just heated through, being careful not to overcook them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you use frozen shrimp?
Yes, ensure your frozen shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What kind of shrimp should you use?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe, but medium shrimp are also fine.
How do you know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp cooks quickly; it turns pink and opaque and curls into a C-shape when done.
Can you make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the shrimp just before serving.
What should you serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
This easy dinner recipe pairs well with rice, pasta, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
