![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges for garnish When making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, fresh ingredients matter. The shrimp should be large and free from any off odors. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a nice sheen. Choose shrimp that smell like the ocean. They should not smell fishy or sour. Fresh shrimp should feel firm to the touch. When buying, check for a shiny appearance. If you can, buy shrimp that are still in their shells; they tend to be fresher. For garlic, pick bulbs that feel firm and heavy. Avoid any that are sprouting or soft. For lemons, look for ones that have a bright yellow color and feel heavy for their size. A juicy lemon gives the best flavor. You can find the full recipe for this dish [Full Recipe]. - Prepping the Shrimp Start with one pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. - Zesting and Juicing the Lemon Take a fresh lemon. Use a zester or a fine grater to get the zest. Zest adds a bright flavor. Next, cut the lemon in half and juice it. You need about two tablespoons of juice for the recipe. - Melting Butter and Sautéing Garlic Heat four tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for one to two minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. This step builds a rich flavor base. - Adding Shrimp and Seasoning Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. Cook the shrimp for two to three minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. - Incorporating Lemon Juice Pour in the fresh lemon juice. Stir everything well to combine. Let it simmer for another minute. This step ties all the flavors together. - Garnishing with Parsley Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness to the dish. Serve the shrimp hot, with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. For the full recipe, check the detailed cooking steps. - Overcooking the Shrimp Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. They only need 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for a pink color. Once they turn opaque, they are done. Remove them from the heat right away. - Skipping Fresh Ingredients Fresh ingredients make this dish shine. Use fresh shrimp, garlic, and lemon. Frozen shrimp can work, but fresh offers better flavor. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste, enhancing the dish. - Adjusting Spice Levels Red pepper flakes add heat. Start with 1 teaspoon for a mild kick. You can add more if you like it spicy. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. - Enhancing the Garlic Taste Garlic is key in this dish. Sauté it gently to avoid burning. This brings out its sweet flavor. You can also add extra minced garlic if you love that taste. - Ideal Pairings Lemon garlic butter shrimp pairs well with rice or pasta. A light salad complements the dish nicely. For a drink, try a crisp white wine. It balances the flavors perfectly. - Creative Plating Ideas To make your meal look nice, use a large plate. Arrange the shrimp in a circle. Add a sprinkle of parsley on top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for color. This makes your dish look fancy and inviting. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp 🦐! {{image_2}} If you want to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp a bit lighter, try these options. - Using Olive Oil Instead of Butter: Olive oil gives a fresh taste. It adds healthy fats that are good for your heart. Simply swap the butter for the same amount of olive oil. You won’t lose any flavor. - Adding Vegetables like Asparagus or Spinach: Toss in some veggies for added nutrition. Asparagus or spinach works well. Just add them to the skillet when you cook the shrimp. This makes the dish colorful and healthy. You can easily change the flavors in this dish. Here are a few ideas to try. - Trying Different Herbs: Basil, dill, or even cilantro can switch up the taste. Fresh herbs add a new twist. Just chop them finely and sprinkle them in at the end. - Introducing Sauces for Additional Flavor: Want more kick? Add a splash of soy sauce or a dollop of pesto. These can give the shrimp an exciting twist. Mix them in just before serving. Scaling this recipe is simple. - Scaling the Recipe Up or Down: If you need to cook for more people, double the ingredients. For smaller meals, cut the amounts in half. This recipe is flexible and easy to adjust. These variations keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp fresh and fun. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your cooking! To keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavors. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. Use it within three days for the best taste. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When frozen, it can last up to three months. Just make sure to label the container with the date. Reheating shrimp can be tricky. You want to warm it up without overcooking. One good method is to use the stove. Heat a skillet on low. Add a bit of butter to the pan. Then, add the shrimp. Stir gently until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking often. This helps keep the shrimp tender. Cooking shrimp takes about 5 to 6 minutes. You cook them until they turn pink. The best method is to cook them on medium heat. For large shrimp, cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them. Overcooking can make shrimp tough. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. Thawing shrimp is easy. Place them in the fridge overnight or put them in cold water for 30 minutes. Avoid using hot water. It can cook the shrimp unevenly. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some suggestions: - Rice: White, brown, or lemon rice - Pasta: Lightly tossed with olive oil - Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette - Vegetables: Steamed asparagus or broccoli - Bread: Garlic bread or crusty baguette These sides complement the shrimp's flavor. They also add variety to your meal. For more details, check the full recipe. This post discussed how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. We covered ingredient selection, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. You now have the knowledge to create this dish perfectly. Remember to choose fresh shrimp and avoid overcooking. You can experiment with variations and serving ideas too. Enjoy cooking and impressing your friends with this tasty meal! Keep your leftovers safe and reheat wisely to maintain flavor. Your kitchen adventures just got more exciting!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/3df79ce1-191e-44cb-9a91-02cae1f934e5.webp)
Ingredients
Method
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, but not browned.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and lemon zest, cooking for an additional minute to release the flavors.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
Pour in the lemon juice, stirring to combine all the flavors, and let it simmer for another minute.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4