As the sun sets, the smell of garlic and lemon fills the air. It’s my cue to start cooking. I love making lemon garlic butter shrimp because it’s quick and delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy seafood dinner or a fancy appetizer.
My family has loved this shrimp scampi recipe for years. This dish features tender garlic prawns in a zesty sauce that’s easy to make and ready in minutes. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time or need something special.
Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make the perfect lemon garlic butter shrimp, you need a few ingredients. You’ll need unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you’re missing something, don’t worry. You can use salted butter and adjust the salt. Or, swap parsley for cilantro or basil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For delicious garlic shrimp, focus on preparation and cooking. First, pat the lemon garlic shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear well. Then, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute, watching it closely to avoid burning. After that, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re opaque and slightly charred. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over them, sprinkling with parsley, and adding a dash of red pepper flakes. Serve right away.
By following these steps, you’ll get a dish of lemon garlic butter shrimp that will wow everyone. The mix of juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon is irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
The lemon garlic butter shrimp is great for many meals. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fancy appetizer. This dish is versatile and always a hit.
Try it over pasta or steamed rice for a full meal. The sauce and shrimp together make a tasty main course. Or, enjoy it alone with salads or roasted veggies for a lighter meal.
It’s also great as a shrimp appetizer. Serve it on its own or with toothpicks. Add fresh lemon wedges and parsley for a nice look. You can also put it on crostini or crackers for a snack.
Pair it with different sides for a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted sweet potato fries for a healthier French fries option
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a light side
- Deviled eggs as a classic and tasty appetizer
- Corn on the cob for a sweet and juicy side
- Zucchini noodles for a low-carb and gluten-free choice
- Mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying side
No matter how you serve it, lemon garlic butter shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, making it perfect for any event.
Variations on Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
The classic lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe is very versatile. It can be changed in many ways. You can switch up the flavors or mix the shrimp with other dishes.
Try using lime instead of lemon for a zesty twist. The lime’s tartness goes well with the rich garlic butter. For a spicy touch, add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Or, mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for a fresh taste.
To make a full meal, toss the shrimp with pasta, serve it over rice or quinoa, or put it in a lettuce wrap. The options are endless for this versatile dish.
When you change the classic recipe, focus on using fresh, quality ingredients. With a few tweaks, you can make a delicious lemon garlic butter shrimp dish that suits your taste.
Kitchen Equipment for Searing Shrimp
Cooking the perfect lemon garlic butter shrimp depends on the pan you use. A cast iron skillet or heavy-duty pan is best for a great sear. They distribute and retain heat well.
The cast iron skillet is great for searing shrimp. It cooks the shrimp evenly, creating a tasty crust. Plus, it keeps heat well, ensuring a perfect sear.
If you don’t have a cast iron, a stainless steel or non-stick pan with a thick bottom works too. These pans also cook evenly, helping you get a great sear on your best pans for cooking shrimp.
Choose a pan that’s big enough for the shrimp to fit in one layer. This way, they sear instead of steam. A cast iron skillet for shrimp is perfect, but any good, heavy pan will work for your lemon garlic butter shrimp.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: The Recipe
Make your dinner special with this lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe. It’s quick, easy, and tastes amazing. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a dinner party, it’s sure to wow.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp (26-30 count per pound), peeled and déveines
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Stir in the dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the lemon garlic butter shrimp immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfection
To get the best lemon garlic butter shrimp, follow these tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to your personal taste preferences.
- Serve the shrimp immediately for the best texture and temperature.
With this lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe, you can make a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy a delicious mix of tangy, garlicky, and buttery flavors in just 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
The lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe is a healthy and tasty dinner choice. A single serving has:
- Calories: 219
- Fat: 16.2g
- Protein: 15.8g
- Total Carbs: 2.5g
- Net Carbs: 2.3g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.3g
This recipe is rich in protein, with 15.8g per serving. It also has healthy fats from olive oil and lemon butter sauce. The carb content is low, perfect for those on a low-carb or keto-friendly diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 219 |
| Fat | 16.2g |
| Protein | 15.8g |
| Total Carbs | 2.5g |
| Net Carbs | 2.3g |
| Fiber | 0.2g |
| Sugar | 0.3g |
The mix of lean protein from the shrimp, healthy fats, and low carbs makes this recipe a nutritious choice. It’s a balanced option for a healthy shrimp dinner.
The Versatile Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Serving Ideas
The lemon garlic butter shrimp is incredibly versatile. It can be a main course or a tasty appetizer. This recipe can make your mealtime special in many ways.
One great way to enjoy it is over hot pasta. The buttery sauce goes well with noodles like spaghetti or zucchini noodles. Add Parmesan cheese and parsley for a fancy look.
For a filling meal, pair the shrimp with roasted or mashed potatoes. The sauce and potatoes make a perfect match. Add lemon wedges and chives for a fresh touch.
Want a stunning appetizer? Put the shrimp on a platter for easy serving. The bright colors and flavors will impress everyone. Serve with bread or crackers for dipping.
However you serve the lemon garlic butter shrimp, it’s bound to please. It’s perfect for any event, from a family dinner to a fancy party. Try different sides and ways to present it to make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to the lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe, some questions pop up often. Here are answers to help you make a perfect dish:
Can I Reheat the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Yes, you can reheat the lemon garlic butter shrimp. Just put the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s hot. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second bursts until it’s warm.
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you don’t have shrimp or want something else, you can use other seafood. Scallops, cod, or halibut work well. For a non-seafood option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are good choices.
How Long Does Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Last?
The lemon garlic butter shrimp stays good for up to 2 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down completely before putting it in the fridge.
Can I Freeze Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze the lemon garlic butter shrimp for up to 3 months. Let it cool down first, then put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
By answering these lemon garlic butter shrimp FAQs, you’re set to make this tasty dish for your loved ones.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick delight, ready in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for those who are always on the go but want a tasty meal. The recipe uses 1 pound of shrimp, making it a protein-packed dish.
Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick. Fresh garlic and caper brine bring a rich, savory taste. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or even zucchini noodles.
This lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe is great because you can make it ahead of time. It’s best to use fresh garlic for the best flavor. The cooking method involves heating olive oil with red pepper flakes.
Adding butter at the end thickens the sauce, making it creamy. Capers from the jar add a tangy twist, enhancing the dish’s taste.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 219 |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Fat | 13g |
The lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving seafood. With its focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at home.
Conclusion
This lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe is a simple and tasty dinner choice. It combines tender shrimp, rich butter, and zesty lemon flavors. It’s perfect for any meal, whether over pasta, rice, or with a salad.
You can make it your own by adding white wine, trying new seasonings, or changing the butter amount. The detailed guide and cooking tips help you cook the shrimp just right.
Try this lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe for a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s easy to make and adds a special touch to your dinner. Enjoy!
For more delicious ideas, check out these Shrimp Recipes that are sure to please your palate. You can also explore essential Cooking Techniques for Shrimp to elevate your seafood dishes.