Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is fast, easy, and bursting with bright, buttery flavor. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner, appetizer, or served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Here’s a simple one-pan recipe ready in under 15 minutes.
🍤 Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
🕒 Ready in 15 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4
🔥 One skillet, stovetop
🧂 Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh!)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Optional: extra lemon slices for serving
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
3. Cook the shrimp
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Don’t overcook — shrimp cooks fast!
4. Add lemon & butter
Reduce heat to low. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tbsp butter.
Toss until shrimp is coated in the buttery sauce.
5. Finish & serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Over angel hair pasta, rice, or quinoa
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With zoodles or sautéed spinach for a low-carb meal
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On toasted baguette slices as an appetizer
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Toss into a salad with avocado and tomatoes
🔁 Variations
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Add a splash of white wine before the lemon juice for a deeper sauce
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Stir in capers for a briny kick
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Finish with a spoonful of Parmesan cheese for richness
🧊 Storage
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Best served fresh
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Can be refrigerated for 1–2 days
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Reheat gently on stovetop (avoid overcooking shrimp)
Want to turn this into a creamy pasta dish, or a foil pack for grilling? Just say the word!
