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Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

A fast skillet dinner with tender shrimp, fresh lemon, garlic, butter, and parsley.

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fast skillet dinner with tender shrimp, fresh lemon, garlic, butter, and parsley. The stovetop method keeps the cooking and sauce-building in one pan.

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Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For Serving

  • Lemon wedges
  • Crusty bread, rice, or pasta

Substitutions

  • Replace shrimp with bite-size chicken breast or a firm white fish, adjusting the cooking time and safe temperature.
  • Use dairy-free butter or olive oil in place of butter, noting that the sauce will taste lighter.

Instructions

Step 1: Dry and season the shrimp

Pat the shrimp very dry and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in one layer for 1 to 2 minutes per side; transfer to a plate as soon as they turn opaque.

Sear for Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 3: Make the sauce

Lower the heat. Add butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the sauce for Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 4: Finish

Stir in lemon juice and zest. Return shrimp to the pan and toss for 30 to 60 seconds.

Finish for Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Finished Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp ready to serve

How to Store Leftovers

Cool Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp promptly and refrigerate it in a shallow covered container. Use seafood leftovers within 2 to 3 days and keep fresh garnishes separate.

How to Reheat

Reheat Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of its sauce or water only when needed and stop once hot.

What to Serve With It

  • Rice or pasta
  • Crusty bread
  • Roasted asparagus
  • A green salad

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • For Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, crowding the pan and steaming the ingredients.
  • For Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, adding sugar, garlic, or dairy over excessive heat.
  • Continuing to cook after the sauce has reduced enough.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 285
Protein 35g
Carbohydrates 3g
Fat 15g
Sugar 1g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the shrimp in Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp tender?

Stop cooking when the shrimp turn opaque and form relaxed C-shapes; tightly curled shrimp are usually overcooked.

About the Author

Written and edited by the FreshFork Recipes Team.

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