Name: Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; salt and black pepper to taste; lemon wedges for serving

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This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe captures everything you love about a quick seafood dinner: juicy shrimp kissed with citrus, a buttery garlic sauce, and a pop of fresh parsley. It’s astonishingly flavorful, ready in 20 minutes, and so vibrant that it transports you to sunny Mediterranean shores with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or make an ordinary weeknight feel special, you’ll want to add this simple and sensational dish to your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The real beauty of this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each element brings something unique—brightness, depth, fragrance, or color—so you get maximum flavor without a long shopping list.

Large shrimp: Look for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience, and keep the tails on or off to your preference for presentation.
Olive oil: Adds heart-healthy richness and helps everything cook evenly without burning.
Unsalted butter: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce that clings to every piece of shrimp.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with bold, aromatic flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Give the dish a touch of heat for those who like a kick—add as much or as little as you like.
Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Both zest and juice are essential for that tangy brightness that wakes up your taste buds and balances the butter.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness, color, and a delicate herbal note that makes the whole dish pop.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that highlights the sweet flavor of the shrimp and brings everything together.
Lemon wedges: Serve on the side for an extra squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating!

How to Make Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp completely dry with paper towels—this helps them get that irresistible sear and prevents the pan from steaming. Season the shrimp generously with salt and black pepper on both sides, ensuring every piece is ready to soak up the flavors to come.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spice

Set a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter, letting it melt and get slightly bubbly. Once the butter has melted, sauté your minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds. The goal is to release their fragrance without letting the garlic brown—watch closely, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, making sure each one has direct contact with the hot surface. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them—they’ll finish up in the sauce.

Step 4: Brighten with Lemon

As soon as the shrimp are done, stir in the lemon zest and juice, plus the final tablespoon of butter. This turns the sizzling pan juices into a glossy, lemony-garlic sauce that coats each shrimp perfectly. Give everything a toss so all the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Add Freshness and Serve

Turn off the heat, then shower your shrimp with chopped fresh parsley. Scoop up the shrimp and as much sauce as you can, and transfer to a serving platter. Don’t forget those extra lemon wedges—your guests will want to give their shrimp a bright squeeze before taking a bite!

How to Serve Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley and a final dusting of lemon zest over the shrimp right before serving for vibrant color and a blast of freshness. A few lemon wedges on the side not only look beautiful but also give everyone the option for another citrusy hit.

Side Dishes

This shrimp is beautifully versatile. Serve it over twirls of buttered pasta or fluffy white rice, allowing the garlicky lemon sauce to seep into every bite. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up all the extra sauce. For a lighter approach, try it atop mixed greens with a side of grilled vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

The Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe works for everything from casual family dinners to fancy gatherings. For a party, thread the cooked shrimp onto skewers with lemon slices for a fun finger food. Or pile them onto a platter as the centerpiece of a Mediterranean-inspired spread, surrounded by olives, roasted peppers, and grilled bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because this dish disappears fast!), store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep tasting fresh for up to 2 days—just make sure to let everything cool to room temperature before sealing to preserve texture.

Freezing

While fresh is best for shrimp, you can freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the shrimp’s texture, but it will still be loaded with bold, garlicky-lemon flavor when thawed and reheated gently.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe gently in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make shrimp tough and rubbery. Add a splash of water or extra lemon juice if the sauce seems a bit thick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they’ll cook up nice and juicy instead of watery.

Is this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as written. Just make sure to double-check any sides you serve it with, such as bread or pasta, if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Certainly. Swap the unsalted butter for a vegan butter substitute or use all olive oil for a dairy-free variation. While it won’t be quite as rich, the flavors of lemon and garlic will still shine through beautifully.

How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

With 1/4 teaspoon, the shrimp will have a gentle warmth without being fiery. If you’re serving kids or spice-averse eaters, you can simply omit the flakes and let everyone add a pinch of crushed red pepper at the table.

What’s the best way to zest and juice a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater to remove just the bright yellow zest, avoiding the bitter white pith. For juicing, roll the lemon on the counter first to loosen the juices, cut it in half, and squeeze out the refreshing brightness right into your pan.

Final Thoughts

One bite of this Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every week. It’s quick, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, making it the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Don’t just take my word for it—grab some shrimp, some lemons, and give it a try tonight!

Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic and lemon butter sauce, then finished with fresh parsley. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry: with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.
Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and remaining butter.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.