Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for a light dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or as a protein-packed topping for pasta, rice, or salad. With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (peeled and deveined)
garlic (minced)
lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
lemon zest
unsalted butter
olive oil
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
fresh parsley (chopped)

directions

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque.

Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce.

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Serve over linguine or rice for a hearty meal.
Add chopped spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
Swap butter for ghee or omit for a dairy-free version.
Use lime instead of lemon for a tropical twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes—it’s optional.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Yes, marinate the shrimp in the lemon garlic mixture and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

What size shrimp is best?

Medium to large shrimp work best for even cooking and flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the garlic and lemon juice ahead to save time.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but just warm them through in the sauce to avoid overcooking.

What can I serve with lemon garlic shrimp?

Rice, pasta, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables make great sides.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

They turn pink and curl into a “C” shape when cooked through.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits well in keto or paleo diets.

Conclusion

Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick, vibrant, and delicious dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Its fresh, tangy flavors and tender texture make it a go-to favorite that’s easy to customize and sure to please. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in minutes.

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