Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) This dish shines with fresh, simple ingredients. The shrimp is the star. Make sure you choose large, juicy shrimp for the best flavor. I love using fresh shrimp, but frozen works too. Just thaw it first! Next, butter adds a rich, creamy texture. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt. Garlic brings a strong, savory taste. I always use fresh garlic for the best flavor. The lemon, both zested and juiced, adds brightness. Zest gives a strong lemon flavor without the liquid. The juice gives that tangy taste we all love. Red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. You can skip them if you want a milder dish. I always keep salt and pepper on hand to season well. Fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds color. Lemon wedges make a great side for extra zing! This simple list makes Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp a favorite. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Step 1: Melting Butter and Sautéing Garlic Start by taking a large skillet. Place it over medium heat. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt slowly. Once it's melted, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. The smell will be amazing! Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp Now it's time to add your shrimp. Use one pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Place the shrimp in the skillet. Cook them for two to three minutes on one side until they turn pink. This color change means they are cooking well. Flip the shrimp over carefully to cook the other side. Step 3: Flavoring with Lemon Juice and Zest After flipping, add the lemon juice and zest from one lemon. This adds bright flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like some heat, add a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook everything for an additional two to three minutes. The shrimp should be fully cooked and coated in that delicious buttery sauce. Step 4: Garnishing with Parsley Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. The green adds color and freshness to your dish. It's a simple yet effective way to make it look lovely. Step 5: Serving Suggestions Serve the shrimp hot. I like to add lemon wedges on the side. They enhance the dish's flavor when you squeeze them over the shrimp. Enjoy this meal right away for the best taste. For the full recipe, check the previous section! How do you know when shrimp are perfectly cooked? Perfect shrimp turn pink and curl slightly. They should be firm but not tough. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so watch them closely. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them from heat as soon as they reach that lovely pink color. Why is fresh lemon juice important? Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. It adds a tangy flavor that enhances the shrimp and butter. Bottled lemon juice lacks the zest and aroma of fresh juice. Always squeeze a fresh lemon for the best taste. What herbs and spices can you add? Fresh herbs like parsley or basil elevate the dish. You can also try adding thyme or dill for a unique twist. A sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper can add a little heat if you like spice. What are some alternative serving suggestions? Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp over pasta, rice, or quinoa. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. Consider using it as a filling for tacos or wraps for a fun twist. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your taste. Here are two fun ideas: - Spicy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add more heat with extra red pepper flakes. Start with a full teaspoon for a bold kick. You can also add fresh jalapeños. This gives the dish a nice spicy twist. - Creamy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: If you want a rich sauce, stir in some heavy cream. Add about 1/2 cup after you cook the shrimp. This makes the dish smooth and luscious. You’ll enjoy the creamy, zesty flavor. Not everyone loves shrimp. Here are some tasty swaps: - Substitutes for shrimp: Try using chicken breast or scallops. Both cook well and soak up the flavors. Cut chicken into small pieces and follow the same cooking steps. - Vegan or vegetarian alternatives: Use firm tofu or chickpeas instead of shrimp. If using tofu, press it first to remove extra water. Sauté it just like shrimp for a delightful meal. Explore these variations to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp your own. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. This helps seal in flavors and moisture. If you have extra sauce, pour it over the shrimp. This keeps the dish juicy. Use these steps for best results: - Let the shrimp cool to room temperature. - Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating shrimp, the key is to avoid overcooking. You want them tender, not rubbery. Here are good methods to reheat: - Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth. Once warm, add the shrimp. Stir gently until warmed through. - Microwave Method: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often. Stop once they are just warm. These methods help maintain flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal! Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them cook evenly and keeps the dish tasty. How long can I store Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp in the fridge? You can store Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and safe to eat later. What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp? Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs well with rice or pasta. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread. These choices soak up the delicious buttery sauce. Caloric content and nutritional breakdown Each serving of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp has about 300 calories. It also has protein, healthy fats, and some carbs. The shrimp pack a protein punch, while butter adds flavor and richness. Potential dietary restrictions and considerations This dish is not suitable for those who avoid shellfish. If you have lactose intolerance, use dairy-free butter. Always check labels for allergens to ensure safety. This blog post covered a tasty Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe. We discussed the key ingredients, from shrimp to fresh lemon. I shared step-by-step instructions to simplify your cooking process. You learned tips for perfect shrimp and variations to try. We also covered storage methods and answered common questions. With these insights, you can create a delightful dish that impresses. Enjoy cooking, and don’t hesitate to explore flavors and styles!$

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Indulge in a burst of flavor with this easy Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe! Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a zesty lemon twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering dish, it’s sure to delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

Stir in the red pepper flakes if using, then add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink.

Flip the shrimp over and add the lemon juice and zest, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the buttery sauce.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4