This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is one of those quick and simple recipes you’ll want to make all the time. It’s ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something quick, satisfying, and packed with taste. Serve it with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad for a light and healthy meal!
Shrimp cooked in buttery garlic lemon sauce—what’s not to love? This dish is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. The shrimp turn out juicy, tender, and melt in your mouth, making every bite delicious.
I could eat shrimp every day and never get tired of them. They’re so versatile—you can grill, sauté, air fry, or skewer them, and they always turn out great.
The best part? You only need a few basic ingredients to make this restaurant-quality shrimp at home. It’s an easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Why Are You Going To Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavor – Buttery, garlicky, and full of fresh lemon—this shrimp is packed with taste in every bite.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Super Versatile – Serve it with veggies, rice, pasta, or salad, or even toss it in tacos!
- One-Pan Recipe – Everything cooks in a single pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and use it for lunches, wraps, or quick dinners throughout the week.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed – Shrimp is light but filling, making it a great option for low-carb, keto, or high-protein meals.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Ingredients
One of the best things about this recipe is that it only requires a few simple ingredients—most of which you probably already have!
- Shrimp – Use peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails removed. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter for a rich, creamy sauce. Want a lighter option? Swap it for olive oil.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is best for the boldest flavor, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
- Parsley – Use freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the flavor—skip the bottled stuff if possible!
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a little heat to balance the flavors, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer mild.
- Salt & Pepper – Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavor.
- Olive Oil – Used to pan-sear the shrimp, giving them a light, crispy texture before coating them in the garlic butter sauce.
How To Make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
This recipe is super quick and easy because shrimp cook in just 2 minutes per side! Here’s how to make it:
- Heat the Pan – Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp – Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and opaque.
- Add the Flavor – Reduce heat to medium, then add the butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the garlic release its aroma.
- Finish with Lemon & Parsley – Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Tips For The Best Shrimp Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook fast! If overcooked, they turn rubbery and tough. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking – Use a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the shrimp. This helps them sear properly and develop a delicious golden crust.
- Use a Hot Pan – Make sure the oil is hot before adding the shrimp. This gives them a quick, crispy exterior while keeping them tender inside.
- Cook in a Single Layer – Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking shrimp in batches ensures they sear evenly instead of steaming.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference – Use fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley for the best flavor. Bottled versions just won’t have the same fresh taste!
How To Serve
Shrimp are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with the right sides! Here are some great low-carb options to serve with them:
- Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes“ – A creamy, buttery side that pairs perfectly with garlicky shrimp.
- Air Fryer Asparagus – Crispy, tender asparagus makes a light and healthy side.
- Cauliflower Rice – A great low-carb alternative to traditional rice, perfect for soaking up that lemon butter sauce.
- Sautéed Vegetables – Quick and easy! Try zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans for a flavorful, colorful plate.
- Keto Salad – Serve shrimp over a fresh arugula, spinach, or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Shrimp Tacos – Serve shrimp in lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas with avocado and slaw for a fresh and flavorful meal.
- Keto Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up all the buttery, garlicky sauce!
Storing Ideas
- In the Fridge – Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to keep them fresh.
How to Reheat – Warm shrimp in a pan over low heat with a little butter or olive oil, stirring gently for 1-2 minutes. Avoid high heat, as shrimp can overcook quickly and become rubbery.
- Freezing Option – While shrimp can be frozen, they tend to lose their tender texture. If you do freeze them, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Are Shrimps Keto?
Sure, actually, they are one of the most keto-friendly protein options. And that applies to all types of shrimp. Raw shrimp contains 20 grams of protein per 100 grams and a lot of omega-3 fatty acids.
Are Shrimp Healthy?
Sure, shrimp are healthy because they are low in calories but loaded with nutrients such as vitamin D and B.
How To Know If Shrimp is Cooked?
The skin of the shrimp should be pink when properly cooked, and the flesh should be slightly opaque and a little “white” in color. Cooking shrimp in a pan takes around 2 minutes per side.
What Is The Best Type Of Shrimp?
I used frozen shrimp for this recipe, but you can also use fresh shrimp; you just have to clean them properly.
Why Are My Shrimps So Rubbery?
Shrimp must be cooked at a very high temperature. Otherwise, they’ll have to stay on the fire for longer, becoming dry and rubbery.
Make sure you don’t overcook them as well. Shrimp may appear to be overcooked after only 3 minutes. However, if you cook them longer, you’ll end up with rubbery shrimp rather than soft ones.
How Do You Defrost Shrimp Correctly?
The best way to defrost shrimp is to refrigerate them overnight and cook them the next day. But if you forget to do that, there’s another option: place the shrimp in a bowl and cover them with cold water; they’ll defrost in about 15 minutes.
More Seafood Recipes
- Grilled Salmon Steak with Creamy Mustard Sauce
- Best Oven Baked Salmon Recipe
- Cajun Shrimp And Avocado Bites
- Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
The Most Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp large, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp parsley fresh, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp – Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Shrimp – Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque.
- Add Flavor – Reduce the heat to medium, then add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Finish with Lemon & Parsley – Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.