If you’re looking for a fast and flavorful seafood dish, this garlic lemon shrimp is your new go-to. Infused with rich garlic butter and zesty lemon, this recipe not only elevates your shrimp but also saves you time in the kitchen. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick appetizer, these shrimp are sure to impress.
Why This Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try
- Tender and Juicy Shrimp: Say goodbye to rubbery shrimp. This recipe ensures perfectly tender shrimp by sticking to the optimal cooking time. The combination of garlic and butter locks in flavor and keeps the shrimp juicy.
- Luxurious Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: This sauce is rich yet easy to make. You might find yourself using it on other dishes too. If you love this, you might also enjoy my pan-seared scallops which use a similar technique.
- Simple Ingredients: With just seven basic ingredients, this recipe proves that you don’t need a lot to make restaurant-quality shrimp. Most of these are kitchen staples!
- Ready in 10 Minutes: Yes, you read that correctly. This dish is perfect for those nights when you need a quick seafood fix. It's a perfect addition to your meal plan.
- Versatility: While this shrimp makes a great main course, it also works well as an appetizer for guests.
Ingredients & Substitution Options
- Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp, typically labeled 31/40. The cooking time may vary slightly with different sizes. Ensure they’re raw to avoid overcooking.
- Butter: Choose unsalted butter to better control the amount of salt. Lactose-free alternatives like ghee are also suitable.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be a convenient alternative.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best taste, but jarred garlic can be used in a pinch. Garlic powder is a last resort but won’t have the same intensity.
- Fresh Parsley: Curly or flat leaf parsley works, but dill or chives are good alternatives.
- Spices: Standard spices include red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Feel free to experiment with additional spices like paprika or Italian seasoning.
- Olive Oil: Use olive oil for sautéing as butter burns at high temperatures. Avocado oil is another good option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter: In a bowl, mix together the butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Feel free to add extra spices if desired.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until they start to turn pink. Flip and cook on the other side, basting with the garlic lemon butter until opaque.
- Serve and Enjoy: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve with the garlic butter sauce from the pan, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Use leftovers in a creamy shrimp salad or avocado shrimp salad.
- Reheat: To avoid overcooking, reheat in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Freeze: Cool shrimp to room temperature, then arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to flash freeze. Transfer to a zip-lock bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight before you reheat it.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetables: Quick sides like sautéed kale or broccoli complement this dish well. For a heartier option, try roasted asparagus or zucchini.
- Noodles: Serve over zucchini noodles or baked spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. It also complements your favorite pasta beautifully.
- Rice: Classic white or brown rice works well, or opt for cauliflower rice for a lighter alternative.
- Salad: Add the shrimp to a salad for a quick lunch, or serve with a side salad like asparagus or kale salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the Best Way to Season Shrimp?
- You can season shrimp in the pan or marinate them for 15-30 minutes. Both methods yield delicious results.
- Is Shrimp a Fish or Meat?
- Shrimp are crustaceans, classified as seafood rather than meat. They’re not considered vegetarian or vegan.
- Easiest Way to Peel and Devein Shrimp?
- Peel and devein shrimp yourself or buy them prepped. To peel, remove the legs and shell, then devein with a knife.
Additional Easy Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Shrimp Po Boy Sandwiches
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi and Broccoli
- Honey Cilantro Lime Shrimp
- Shrimp Tacos with Slaw
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