Name: Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); zest and juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; salt and black pepper to taste; lemon wedges for serving

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If there’s one dish that never fails to impress with minimal time and effort, it’s the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp. Imagine plump, tender shrimp shimmering in a garlicky, lemon-kissed sauce with a touch of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving any day of the week. This Mediterranean-inspired crowd-pleaser is as easy to pull together as it is delicious, and there’s just something magical about that bright citrus paired with the rich flavor of garlic and juicy shrimp. It’s everything you want in a seafood dinner and so much more!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of superstar ingredients come together to create magic in every bite of this dish. Each one plays a vital role: giving the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp an irresistible balance of flavor, freshness, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing!

Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show — tender, juicy shrimp soak up all the zesty, garlicky sauce for incredible flavor.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): This heart-healthy oil is perfect for sautéing, adding richness and helping the garlic infuse the shrimp.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The absolute soul of this dish, garlic provides that deeply savory aromatic base.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A pinch of heat for those who love a subtle spicy kick.
Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Fresh lemon brings vibrant acidity and citrusy perfume that brightens every bite.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Melts into the pan to create a silky, luscious finish to the sauce.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds herby color and a clean finish that perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Lemon wedges (for serving): Wedges let you squeeze extra citrus just before serving, pushing the flavor over the top.

How to Make Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Begin by patting your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step helps them brown beautifully and keeps the sauce from getting watery. Once dry, season the shrimp generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step locks in flavor and ensures that every bite of Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is delicious all the way through.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Place your large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you want some heat). Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden — don’t let it brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing and you’re halfway to dinner!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, making sure each one has direct contact with the hot pan. Let them cook for about 2 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the bottoms turn pink and opaque. Work quickly and don’t overcook them; the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is juiciest when just cooked through.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Butter

With the shrimp perfectly pink, add both the zest and the juice of your lemon to the pan. Immediately toss in the butter, stirring so it melts into a dreamy, silky sauce that clings to every shrimp. This is what gives the dish its signature shine and irresistible flavor!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before removing the skillet from the heat, sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley and give everything a quick stir. The green pops beautifully against the golden shrimp. Serve Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp immediately on a platter with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy burst.

How to Serve Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect dish, never skip the final flourishes. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley adds a burst of color and herby brightness. Lemon wedges on the side make it easy for everyone to add their preferred punch of citrus. If you want a little drama, try a light dusting of cracked black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp.

Side Dishes

This shrimp is so versatile! It’s fantastic spooned over steaming pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy polenta, so you can soak up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Crusty bread for dipping is practically required — trust me, nobody will want to waste a single drop of that garlicky lemon sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp in individual bowls over a bed of zucchini noodles or couscous. Skewering the shrimp for an appetizer-style platter is another fun option. You can even spoon the shrimp onto toasted baguette slices for an elegant take on shrimp bruschetta — the results are always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp (a rarity, honestly), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, and the shrimp retains a good texture, especially if you reheat it gently.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen after cooking, the texture may change slightly when thawed. If you do plan to freeze, cool the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp completely first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and enjoying within one month.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a skillet over low heat, just until the shrimp are warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to help the sauce stay silky. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become rubbery if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and the sauce won’t get too watery.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked shrimp?

For the very best results, use raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery when reheated in the skillet. Raw shrimp soak up the garlicky, buttery, lemony flavors so much better!

What size shrimp works best?

Large shrimp are ideal for Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp because they hold up to the saucing and searing. But honestly, any size works — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Just leave out the butter or substitute with a plant-based butter alternative. Olive oil alone will still give you a rich, flavorful result.

Can I add other flavors or veggies?

Definitely! A splash of white wine, a handful of cherry tomatoes, or baby spinach stirred in at the end are all wonderful additions. This recipe is a fabulous base for all kinds of creative riffs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special but is secretly easy enough for any night of the week, Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is for you. I hope you’ll give it a try soon — it’s a guaranteed favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for it to become a staple in yours. Happy cooking!

Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining. Succulent shrimp cooked in a lemony garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and black pepper to taste
lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Cook Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
Add Flavor: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter to the pan. Stir until the butter melts and shrimp are well coated.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.