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Lemon Garlic Shrimp
![lemon garlic shrimp cooked in a pan with lemon wedges](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lemon-Garlic-Shrimp-Recipe-Card-150x150.jpg)
Table of Contents
Plump, succulent shrimp are smothered in a lemon-infused garlic sauce in this mouthwatering recipe. Perfectly balanced and incredibly delicious, this lemon garlic shrimp recipe is a must-try.
Treat yourself to this irresistible dish today!
More Recipes ⭐ Shrimp Alfredo | Shrimp Fried Rice | Bang Bang Shrimp
Juicy shrimp provides a delicate seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon and garlic in this simple dish. The lemon adds refreshing citrus brightness, while minced fresh garlic adds depth and richness. The buttery sauce is infused with aromatic qualities.
Everyone will be thrilled to see this easy garlic shrimp on the dinner table!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this garlic butter shrimp:
- 1 pound of extra large shrimp (21-25 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails remaining intact
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic cloves
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (amount adjusted to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1½ tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (plus additional for garnish)
Pro Tip
If your shrimp aren't pre-peeled and deveined, you'll need to do it yourself. You can also buy fresh shrimp from the seafood section of your grocery store. Ask the person at the counter to peel, devein, and keep the tail intact for you.
Substitutions and Additions
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is an easy weeknight meal full of fresh ingredients and amazing flavor.
Here are a few of the many easy customizations you can make:
SHRIMP: Fresh shrimp is best. We like large shrimp, but use what you have. You need one pound of uncooked shrimp. Adjust cooking times if using small, medium, or jumbo shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp also works in a pinch.
SEAFOOD: Try this recipe with scallops or chunks of firm white fish like cod. Adjust cooking time as needed.
RED PEPPER FLAKES: Add ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Add more if you like it spicy.
FOR SERVING: Turn this into lemon garlic shrimp pasta! Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative.
Rice Options: Serve over white rice, fried rice, lemon rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice.
Low-Carb Options: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
VEGETABLES: Add fresh veggies like green beans, snow peas, or red peppers. Serve with steamed broccoli for a healthy addition.
How to Make
The beauty of this delicious dinner is that cooking shrimp only takes a few minutes. You'll cook them with garlic and butter, then add the lemon before serving.
Pro Tip
If you buy your shrimp in bulk from the frozen food section, defrost the shrimp according to package directions before using.
FIRST STEP: Place the raw shrimp onto a large plate and pat dry very well with a paper towel. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
SECOND STEP: Add butter and olive oil to a large skillet (12-inch) on medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.
Cook the garlic for 30 seconds to one minute or just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
![butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes added to a skillet](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Lemon-Garlic-Shrimp-Step2.jpg)
THIRD STEP: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for two to three minutes or just until the first side becomes pink.
Flip all the shrimp over and cook for another two to three minutes on the second side or just until fully pink and cooked through.
FOURTH STEP: Turn off the heat to the skillet and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley.
Toss the shrimp to thoroughly coat them in the lemon garlic butter sauce before plating and serving.
Pro Tip
One large lemon should yield enough zest and juice for this recipe. Rinse the lemon under cold water to remove any waxy residue before zesting.
Remember to zest the lemon before slicing and squeezing the juice.
How to Serve
WEEKNIGHT DINNER: Stovetop shrimp is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
DATE NIGHT: Impress your date with this elegant yet easy dish.
POTLUCK: Bring this lemon and garlic infused recipe to your next potluck. Its unique flavors and easy serving make it a hit.
SUMMER BBQ: Add a seafood twist to your summer BBQ with lemon garlic shrimp. It brings a burst of freshness.
COCKTAIL PARTY: Serve bite-sized lemon shrimp with toothpicks at your cocktail party. Watch them vanish quickly!
![](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lemon-Garlic-Shrimp-Hero2.jpg)
Why You'll Love This Recipe
QUICK AND EASY: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty meal quickly.
BURST OF FLAVOR: Zesty lemon and rich garlic combine to create a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
CROWD-PLEASER: Pan fried shrimp appeals to both seasoned seafood lovers and novices, making it a universal favorite.
RESTAURANT QUALITY: Achieve restaurant-quality flavors at home with this recipe, impressing your guests and loved ones effortlessly.
Cooking FAQ
What’s the best way to ensure shrimp are fully cleaned before cooking?
Rinse shrimp under cold water and remove the vein along the back with a small cut, ensuring they're clean and ready for cooking.
Can I use frozen shrimp for making lemon garlic shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they're completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to maintain the best texture.
How long should I cook lemon garlic shrimp to avoid overcooking?
Cook lemon garlic shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque to ensure they're tender and juicy.
Can I grill lemon garlic shrimp instead of sautéing?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Skewer the shrimp, brush with the lemon garlic sauce, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
Serving FAQ
What are the best side dishes to serve with lemon garlic shrimp?
Pair lemon garlic shrimp with light pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad to enhance the meal's flavors.
What type of wine pairs well with lemon garlic shrimp?
A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, complements the zesty and garlicky flavors of the dish.
Is lemon garlic shrimp suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, lemon garlic shrimp is excellent for low-carb diets. Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
How can I enhance the flavor of lemon garlic shrimp?
Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking to elevate the dish's flavor profile.
Storage FAQ
Can I prepare lemon garlic shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, cook the shrimp and prepare the lemon garlic sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day.
How should I reheat lemon garlic shrimp when ready to serve?
Reheat and combine them when ready to serve. You can reheat gently in a skillet on medium-low heat.
What's the best way to store leftover lemon garlic shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep well for up to two days.
Can I reheat lemon garlic shrimp in the microwave?
Yes, for quick reheating, use the microwave in 30-second increments, but be careful not to overcook.
Is it possible to freeze lemon garlic shrimp?
While freshest is best, you can freeze cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to one month.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen lemon garlic shrimp?
Thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
![Chicken and Shrimp Tacos topped with sauce on a plate](https://thebestblogrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Lemon-Garlic-Shrimp-Facebook2.jpg)
More Shrimp Recipes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra large shrimp (21-25 count shrimp, peeled, deveined with tails remaining intact)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (amount adjusted to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped plus additional for garnishment)
DIRECTIONS
- Place 1 pound extra large shrimp onto a large plate and pat dry very well with a paper towel. Season the shrimp with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large (12-inch) skillet on medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute or just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, and cook for 2-3 minutes or just until the first side becomes pink. Flip all the shrimp over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side or just until fully pink and cooked through.
- Turn off the heat to the skillet and add 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, and 1 ½ tablespoons fresh parsley. Toss the shrimp to thoroughly coat them in the lemon garlic sauce before plating and serving.
Notes
- If you buy shrimp that has not been pre-peeled & deveined, you will need to do so yourself. You can also buy your shrimp fresh from the seafood section of your grocery store and can often ask the person at the counter to peel, devein, and keep the tail intact for you.
- If you buy your shrimp in bulk, in the frozen food section, you will need to defrost the shrimp according to the package directions before using it in the recipe.
- One large lemon should yield enough zest and juice for this recipe. Be sure to rinse the lemon under cold water and remove any waxy residue from the outer surface before zesting. Remember to zest the lemon before slicing and squeezing the juice from it.
Nutrition
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Comments
Marina says
Made this last weekend and it was a huge hit with our family! Everyone really loved it.