![- Shrimp: I recommend using large shrimp, about 16-20 per pound. These shrimp cook quickly and taste great. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen works too. Just thaw them first. - Butter and Garlic: Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness. If you want a different flavor, try olive oil or vegan butter. Fresh garlic is best, but jarred garlic can work in a pinch. - Spices: Red pepper flakes add heat. You can adjust the amount to match your taste. Salt enhances all the flavors, and black pepper adds a mild kick. - Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and bright flavor. Dried herbs can’t match the taste of fresh ones in this dish. For the complete Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp experience, refer to the [Full Recipe]. Start by cleaning the shrimp. I prefer using large shrimp for this dish. Rinse them under cold water. Then, peel and devein them if needed. Next, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. This simple step enhances their flavor. Drying the shrimp is important. Moist shrimp can steam instead of sear. This can lead to a rubbery texture. Make sure they are as dry as possible before cooking. Now, let’s cook! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. It should bubble gently. Once it melts, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute. Stir it constantly. You want it fragrant, not browned. Next, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over them for some heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side. They will turn pink and curl up. Flip them over and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Timing is key. You want perfectly cooked shrimp. Overcooking can make them tough. When they are done, they should be opaque and firm to the touch. Now it’s time for the best part! Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir in the lemon zest. This adds bright, zesty flavor. Cook for an additional minute. Make sure all the shrimp are coated in that buttery lemon sauce. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve the shrimp right away. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. This dish is ready to impress! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. How do you prevent overcooking shrimp? To avoid tough shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. If you see them curling up tightly, they are done. Remove them from the heat right away. How can you adjust spice levels for personal preference? You can change the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. If you like it spicy, add more. For less heat, use less. You can also skip them if you prefer a milder flavor. What additional herbs and spices complement the dish? Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add a new twist. You might also try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Lemon zest enhances the dish's bright taste. What side dishes pair well with shrimp? Serve the shrimp with a fresh salad or some rice. Garlic bread also works great. You can even toss in some steamed veggies for a colorful plate. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken, scallops, or even firm tofu work well. If using chicken, cook it for about 6-8 minutes. Scallops need just 3-4 minutes. For tofu, press it first, then cook for about 5-7 minutes. If you want a dairy-free or vegan dish, use olive oil instead of butter. Coconut oil is another great option. You can also skip the butter and use a vegan butter substitute. This keeps the dish creamy while making it plant-based. Lemon is bright, but you can use other citrus fruits. Try lime or orange for a different taste. Each fruit adds its own twist to the dish. Lime gives a fresh kick, while orange adds sweetness. Adding veggies turns this dish into a complete meal. Snap peas, bell peppers, or spinach work great. Just toss them in with the shrimp. This adds color and nutrients. You can find more ideas in the full recipe. To keep your lemon garlic butter shrimp fresh, follow these steps. First, let the shrimp cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the shrimp. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When it comes time to reheat, do it gently. Place the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of butter to keep them moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help keep the flavor and texture intact. Knowing the shelf life of your shrimp is key. If stored correctly, cooked shrimp can last in the fridge for three days. In the freezer, they can last for about three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color or smell. If the shrimp smell sour or look gray, it's time to discard them. Fresh shrimp should have a clean, ocean-like scent and a firm texture. Trust your senses to ensure safe consumption. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Drain them well before cooking. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and taste fresh. How can I improve the garlic flavor? To boost the garlic flavor, try using more garlic cloves. You can also sauté the garlic for longer, but be careful not to burn it. Adding extra lemon zest can enhance the overall taste too. What to 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 roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is great for soaking up the sauce. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! You can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove to keep it juicy. What is the best way to tell when shrimp is done cooking? Shrimp are done cooking when they turn pink and curl up. This takes about 2-3 minutes per side. If they are opaque and firm, they are ready. How to substitute the butter for a different fat? You can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter. Both add a nice flavor. Just use the same amount as the butter in the recipe. This post gives you all you need for the perfect lemon garlic butter shrimp. You learned about the best ingredients, from shrimp types to spices and herbs. I explained step-by-step how to clean, cook, and finish the dish right. You also got tips to avoid overcooking and enhance flavors. Lastly, you found variations, storage, and answers to common questions. Now, you can enjoy this dish and impress others with your skills. Happy cooking!](https://quickdishup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7ef4dde8-596a-4e2d-8440-bf04d61a976f-300x300.webp)
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Indulge in a burst of flavor with this Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Discover how to perfectly sauté shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce, brightened with zesty lemon and a hint of spice. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore this easy recipe and bring a taste of the coast to your kitchen!