Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Bright, buttery, and bursting with flavor, Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and elegant dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in rich butter, fragrant garlic, and fresh lemon juice, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients.

Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the irresistible sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes
Bold flavor: Garlic, butter, and lemon balance perfectly
Versatile: Serve as a main dish or appetizer
Low-carb friendly: Naturally gluten-free
Elegant yet simple: Perfect for entertaining

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-Ins:

¼ cup dry white wine
Extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Dry shrimp sear better and develop more flavor.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter to the skillet along with minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—do not brown the garlic.

Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and white wine (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Spoon extra sauce over shrimp before serving.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Use large shrimp: They stay juicy and don’t overcook as easily.
Don’t overcook: Shrimp turn rubbery if cooked too long.
Fresh garlic only: Avoid garlic powder for best flavor.
Balance the lemon: Add juice gradually and taste as you go.
Serve immediately: Best texture and flavor when hot.

Variations

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Sprinkle grated Parmesan before serving.
Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or cayenne.
Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes and spinach.
Keto-Friendly: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with:

Angel hair pasta or linguine
Steamed rice or risotto
Crusty bread or garlic toast
Quinoa or couscous
Fresh green salad

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of butter and olive oil prevents burning while adding richness. Garlic infuses the fat with flavor, while lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the butter. Cooking shrimp quickly at high heat locks in juiciness, making this recipe both fast and foolproof.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a simple yet luxurious dish that proves you don’t need complicated techniques to create incredible flavor. Whether served for a quick dinner or a special meal, it’s guaranteed to impress with its fresh, zesty, and buttery goodness.