![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) How to choose the best shrimp When buying shrimp, look for shrimp that feel firm and look bright. The shells should be shiny and not sticky. Fresh shrimp smell like the ocean, not fishy. If you can, buy shrimp that you see on ice. This shows they are fresh. Importance of using fresh lemons Fresh lemons give the best flavor. Choose lemons that feel heavy for their size. Their skin should be bright and smooth. Avoid lemons with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh lemon juice adds a zest that makes the dish pop. Required pots and pans You will need a large skillet for this recipe. A non-stick skillet works best for cooking shrimp. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Recommended utensils for preparation Gather a sharp knife for mincing garlic and zesting lemons. Use a cutting board for safe chopping. A spatula will help you stir and flip the shrimp evenly. 1. Melting the butter and sautéing garlic Start by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet. Use medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1-2 minutes. Stop when the garlic smells fragrant but has not browned. 2. Cooking shrimp to perfection Raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. You will see them turn pink. Then, flip the shrimp over to cook the other side. 3. Incorporating lemon flavor After flipping the shrimp, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and soaked with flavor. - Optimal heat levels for cooking shrimp Start with medium heat to melt the butter and sauté the garlic. Then, switch to medium-high heat for cooking the shrimp. This range keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. - Recommended cooking times for each step - Sauté garlic: 1-2 minutes - Cook shrimp (first side): 2-3 minutes - Cook shrimp (second side): 2-3 minutes - Total time: About 10-12 minutes for shrimp to reach perfection. - How to garnish for presentation Once the shrimp is cooked, remove it from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish. - Suggested plating ideas Serve the shrimp on a nice plate. You can also add a side of rice or pasta to soak up the lemon garlic butter sauce. This makes your meal look fancy and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! To get the best flavor from your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, focus on seasoning. Start with fresh garlic and high-quality butter. These two ingredients are key to a rich taste. - Salt and pepper: These basics enhance all the flavors. Use them generously but taste as you go. - Red pepper flakes: Add these for a touch of heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. You can also mix in extra ingredients to elevate your dish. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro add a nice touch. A splash of white wine can deepen the flavor too. Avoid overcooking your shrimp. They cook quickly and should only take about 5-6 minutes total. If you cook them too long, they become rubbery. Also, don’t skip the resting time. Let the shrimp sit for a minute off the heat. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite delicious. To store Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge and eat it within two days. When it’s time to reheat, do it gently. Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This way, your shrimp stays tender and tasty. For more details on preparing this dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or scallops. Both options work well in this dish. Chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked until no longer pink. Scallops also cook fast and have a sweet taste. If you need a non-meat choice, use firm tofu or mushrooms instead. Both options soak up flavors well. To give your dish an Italian twist, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano. Chopped parsley also adds a nice touch. For spice lovers, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. You can even mix in lemon pepper seasoning for a zesty kick. This lets you adjust the taste to your liking. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs well with simple sides. Try serving it over rice or pasta. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch too. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works great. If you prefer cocktails, a light gin and tonic complements the flavors. These choices enhance the meal and make it even more enjoyable. To keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp fresh, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. This helps to lock in the flavor and moisture. It’s best to eat refrigerated shrimp within three days. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is the way to go. Put the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it tight. Frozen shrimp can last for up to three months. When you store shrimp, be aware of its shelf life. Cooked shrimp is safe to eat for three days in the fridge. If left out at room temperature, it should not sit longer than two hours. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or a slimy texture. If your shrimp smells off or feels sticky, it’s best to throw it away. You can use leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp in many meals. Toss it in pasta for a quick dinner. Mix it into a salad for a healthy lunch option. You can also wrap it in tortillas for tasty shrimp tacos. Preparing shrimp ahead of time makes weeknight meals easier. Simply reheat in a pan over low heat for a few minutes. This way, you save time while enjoying delicious meals. For the full recipe, click here: [Full Recipe]. To tell if shrimp is cooked, look for these signs: - The shrimp turns pink and opaque. - It curls into a C shape. - The flesh feels firm to the touch. Cooking shrimp takes about 4-6 minutes, depending on size. Overcooking will make shrimp tough. If you follow the cooking time in the Full Recipe, you should have perfect shrimp! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just follow these simple steps: - Thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge. - For faster thawing, place shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. - Pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This will help them sear nicely in the pan. You have many tasty options for side dishes: - Steamed rice or quinoa pairs well. - A fresh green salad adds crunch. - Roasted vegetables bring color and flavor. - Garlic bread is great for soaking up sauce. Choose what you love best! To add some heat, try these ideas: - Mix in more red pepper flakes. - Add sliced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. - Use a dash of hot sauce. Start with a little, and taste as you go. This way, you can keep the garlic and lemon flavors shining through. To sum up, you can create a delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. Start with fresh shrimp and lemons. Follow the steps to achieve perfect flavor and don’t skip the tips. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking the shrimp. Try variations and serve with great sides. With proper storage, enjoy leftovers later. This dish is sure to impress, whether for a dinner or meal prep. Dive into cooking, and enjoy every bite!](https://mysavedrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/03f36fdf-ddbf-44df-865d-964ae9a4da6a-150x150.webp)
- Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Indulge in the zesty flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with this quick and easy recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion. With juicy shrimp sautéed in rich butter, garlic, and fresh lemon, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to make your dinner unforgettable?