This lemon garlic butter shrimp is a quick, easy, and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. The shrimp are seared in a rich butter sauce, then bathed in lemon and garlic for a tangy, savory finish. If you’re looking for a simple yet indulgent meal, this shrimp dish is it.
With only 20 minutes from start to finish, lemon garlic butter shrimp is the perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner. Pair it with pasta, rice, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Quick and easy: Ready in 20 minutes.
- Butter + garlic: The best flavor combination for shrimp.
- Tangy and savory: A perfect balance of lemon and garlic.
- One-pan wonder: Easy cleanup.
- Customizable: Add spices or extra veggies to make it your own.
- Great for meal prep: Leftovers keep well for 2–3 days.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Shrimp
- Shrimp (1 pound): Fresh or frozen (peeled and deveined).
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For cooking shrimp.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Butter Sauce
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Rich and creamy base.
- Garlic cloves (4 cloves, minced): Essential for flavor.
- Fresh lemon (2 lemons, juiced): For tanginess and brightness.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For garnish.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 1. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- 2. Make the butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Add lemon and parsley: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Bring the sauce to a simmer for another 1 minute.
- 4. Combine and serve: Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them to coat in the sauce. Garnish with more fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast, so keep an eye on them to avoid toughness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Customize the heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Don’t skip the butter: It creates the silky sauce that makes the dish so flavorful.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add veggies: Toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Extra heat: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Non-dairy option: Swap butter for ghee or a plant-based butter alternative.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little butter or broth to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice
- Pair with roasted veggies or a green salad
- Perfect with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Reader Review: I made this for dinner and it was a huge hit! The shrimp were so tender and the garlic butter sauce was amazing.
If you make this lemon garlic butter shrimp, leave a rating and comment. How did you serve it?
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Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp – Easy Best Ever Garlic-Butter Shrimp (20 Minutes)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This **lemon garlic butter shrimp** is tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet.
2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
3. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Simmer for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
– Be careful not to overcook shrimp.
– Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American