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?