Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and light seafood dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or even elegant dinner parties. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a fragrant mixture of garlic, butter, and olive oil, then finished with bright lemon juice and fresh herbs.
This dish is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together in minutes. The garlic provides aromatic depth, while lemon adds a refreshing tang that complements the natural sweetness of shrimp. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or fresh vegetables, making it a go-to recipe for healthy and satisfying meals.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe because it’s fast, easy, and packed with flavor. In just 15–20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality seafood dish ready at home. The shrimp remain tender and succulent, while the garlic and lemon create a bright, zesty flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshing.
It’s also versatile: you can serve it over pasta, toss it with a salad, or enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the garlicky sauce. It’s a recipe that works for everyday dinners and special occasions alike.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Fresh and vibrant flavor: Garlic and lemon highlight the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Minimal prep: Only a few simple ingredients needed.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, main course, or pasta topping.
- Healthy and light: Low in calories, high in protein, and perfect for clean eating.
Once you try it, you’ll see why lemon garlic shrimp is a classic favorite in kitchens around the world.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course / Appetizer
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside briefly.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Reduce heat slightly and add remaining butter to the skillet.
- Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any bits from the pan.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
How to Serve
- Serve over:
- Pasta (angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti)
- Rice or quinoa
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Pair with:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Fresh salad
- Crusty bread to soak up the garlicky lemon sauce
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly; overcooking makes them tough.
- Dry the shrimp: Ensures a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Use fresh lemon: Enhances the brightness and freshness of the dish.
- Red pepper flakes: Add subtle heat; adjust to taste or omit for mild flavor.
- Make it ahead: Cook the sauce first and reheat briefly with the shrimp for faster prep.
Variations
- Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Garlic Lemon Shrimp with Vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus with the shrimp.
- Shrimp Scampi: Toss with cooked pasta and extra sauce for a hearty main dish.
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamy variation.
- Salad Topping: Serve over a bed of mixed greens with avocado and cherry tomatoes.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing:
- Shrimp are best cooked fresh, but you can freeze uncooked peeled and deveined shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Lemon juicer (optional)
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick, easy, and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant meals. The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon creates a bright, zesty flavor that perfectly complements tender, juicy shrimp.
Versatile, healthy, and ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is a go-to for anyone looking for a simple yet impressive seafood dish. Once you try it, lemon garlic shrimp will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and light seafood dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or even elegant dinner parties. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a fragrant mixture of garlic, butter, and olive oil, then finished with bright lemon juice and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp : Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
-
Step 2: Heat the Pan : Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
-
Step 3: Sauté Garlic : Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp : Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside briefly.
-
Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce : Reduce heat slightly and add remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any bits from the pan. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
-
Step 6: Garnish and Serve :Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
