Name: Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Shrimp:; 2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¼ cup butter; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 lemon (zested and juiced); Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish with tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery lemon garlic sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish makes the perfect weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer for any gathering. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the tangy lemon and savory garlic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is bursting with bright citrus and aromatic garlic flavors, making it irresistible. The shrimp cook up quickly and are coated in a luscious, buttery sauce that’s perfect for dipping or serving over pasta, rice, or vegetables. With minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of cooking, it’s an easy, yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress. Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients

2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp:

Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the butter and cook until melted. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are no longer translucent.

Finish the Dish:

Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve:

Serve immediately as a main dish or with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or a salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Notes

Leftovers:

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking.

Make Ahead:

You can prep the shrimp ahead of time by peeling and deveining them. The lemon garlic sauce can also be made in advance, and then you can simply combine everything when you’re ready to cook.

Tips:

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like your shrimp with a bit of heat.
You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
If you prefer larger shrimp, use jumbo shrimp, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.

Variations

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Toss the cooked shrimp in your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the skillet for a spicy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little butter or olive oil to keep the shrimp moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or another neutral oil.

Can I use this recipe for shrimp cocktail?

While this recipe is meant for cooked shrimp with a garlic butter sauce, you can certainly use the shrimp for shrimp cocktail by omitting the sauce and serving them chilled with cocktail sauce.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and cook the shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. The bright citrus flavor, aromatic garlic, and buttery sauce come together beautifully in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights or a special dinner. Whether served on its own or paired with your favorite sides, it’s a dish that will never disappoint. Enjoy!