If you’re in search of a vibrant, downright irresistible weeknight dinner, this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is your new go-to favorite. Bursting with plump shrimp, rich olive oil, zippy lemon, and a confetti of fresh herbs, it’s a dish that feels like a celebration at the end of your fork. Even better, it comes together in about 15 minutes, making it as practical as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it up for a family meal or impressing friends at your next dinner party, this recipe brings sunshine to any table, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe so special? It’s all in the simple, fresh ingredients that come together to deliver amazing flavor and a beautiful presentation. Each one has a purpose, contributing to the dish’s signature taste, brightness, and texture—no filler ingredients, just straight-up goodness.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook quickly and turn delightfully tender with a juicy, sweet flavor—choose fresh or frozen (thawed), as long as they’re high quality!
- Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious richness to the sauce, letting the shrimp glide through every bite.
- Olive Oil: Provides fruity, robust depth and keeps the butter from browning too quickly in the skillet.
- Garlic: Four cloves bring that beloved aromatic punch, infusing the oil with so much character; use fresh for the best flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that warms you just enough—add more or less depending on your spice preferences.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: The full lemon treatment adds zing and floral brightness, lifting the whole dish and making it taste like sunshine.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds an herbal pop of color and freshness that makes the plate feel extra inviting.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that lets every main ingredient truly shine—taste and adjust as you go!
How to Make Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels, which helps them get a lovely sear instead of steaming in the pan. Sprinkle them all over with salt and black pepper—seasoning at this stage ensures every bite is flavorful, right to the center.
Step 2: Infuse Your Oil
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil together. Once melted and bubbling, swirl in the minced garlic and, if you like some heat, those red pepper flakes. Let these sizzle for 30 seconds—just long enough to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, but not so long that the garlic browns.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Add your shrimp in a single layer, so each piece touches the hot pan. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. As soon as they curl and turn blush-pink and opaque, they’re ready—don’t overcook, or they can turn rubbery. Quick and easy!
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Take the pan off the heat and immediately add the lemon juice, zest, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together until the shrimp are beautifully coated in that bright, garlicky sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. That’s it—you’re done and ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra parsley atop the sizzling shrimp adds color and freshness, while a few lemon wedges invite guests to add an extra burst of citrus to their plate. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving elevates the whole experience.
Side Dishes
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe loves company! Spoon the shrimp and sauce over al dente pasta, creamy risotto, fluffy rice, or even alongside roasted potatoes. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up that luscious lemon-garlic sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these shrimp as an effortless tapas-style appetizer piled on a platter with toothpicks, or over toasted baguette slices for a rustic bruschetta. For a special touch, toss them with roasted veggies or nestle them in lettuce cups for a fresh, party-ready bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover shrimp completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay tasty for up to two days—making this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe ideal for meal prepping or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, place the cooked and cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best texture, enjoy within one month—just be aware shrimp can become a bit softer after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them juicy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make shrimp rubbery. Quick, gentle heat is key to keeping the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before you cook. Fresh or previously frozen both work beautifully for this dish.
Is the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be mindful of your side dishes—pair it with rice, potatoes, or gluten-free pasta as needed.
What type Main Course
Look for large, raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined for ultimate convenience. Both wild-caught and sustainably farmed shrimp work well.
Can I make the Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe without butter?
Certainly! You can use all olive oil if you prefer; it will still be delicious, though butter adds that extra richness to the sauce.
How can I make the sauce even more flavorful?
Try marinating the shrimp for 15 minutes in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice beforehand, or add a splash of white wine to the pan when you add the lemon juice for extra depth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bright, quick, and packed with flavor, this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is your ticket to weeknight dinner bliss. It’s so simple, yet every bite bursts with fresh, vibrant character. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised when it becomes a lifelong favorite around your table!
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Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a zesty garlic and lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 15 minutes before cooking.
- You can also add a splash of white wine when adding the lemon juice for a richer sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
