Lemon Garlic Shrimp, ready in 20 minutes, combines fresh lemon, garlic, and butter for a flavorful, family-favorite meal.
author’s note
The Shrimp Dinner That Saves My Weeknights!
When I’m short on time and need dinner fast, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp is one of the first things I turn to (right up there with my go-to One Pot Spaghetti). It’s quick, simple, and doesn’t leave a pile of dishes behind. Major win in my book.
The shrimp gets tossed in this rich, buttery lemon-garlic sauce that’s packed with flavor. I always save a little extra to spoon over the top when serving, or better yet, I grab a warm No-Knead Dinner Roll and use it to mop up the leftovers. That’s the best part, if you ask me.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | Use large or extra-large shrimp, ideally 26/30 size. Thaw frozen shrimp. |
| Garlic | Mince finely so it melts into the sauce. |
| Lemon Juice | Always use freshly squeezed. |
| Butter | Use unsalted butter to control the salt level of this lemon garlic shrimp. |
| Chicken Broth | Dry white wine works well as a swap. |
| Parsley | skippable, but adds a fresh finish. |
How To Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Season Shrimp: Mix shrimp with seasonings and keep nearby.
- Cook Shrimp: Cook shrimp in butter and oil, 1 min per side. Remove from pan.
- Make Sauce: mix in stock, then add butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Combine: Mix shrimp back in the pan, cover in sauce, and serve right away.
Quick Tip
How to know when shrimp is done cooking? As soon as the meat near the bottom changes from clear to solid, the shrimp is done cooking!
Tips For Success
- Cook Quickly: Shrimp cook fast, so use a hot burner to brown them while keeping them juicy and tender.
- Dry Shrimp: Dry shrimp with paper towels. Wet shrimp won’t cook properly.
- Use Tongs: Use tongs to put, turn, and take out shrimp instead of stirring.
- Remove Quick: Take shrimp off the pan quickly to avoid overcooking.
- skippable Flavor Boost: Mix shrimp with seasonings (skip salt) 15-20 mins before cooking. Add salt right before cooking.
What To Serve With Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Pair shrimp with quinoa for a quick base (try microwave quinoa).
- It is satisfying to it with this Greek rice recipe.
- Add roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli for a flavorful side.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover lemon garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over a low burner or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.
More straightforward Seafood Dinners:
Dinner
BEST Baked Fish and Chips
Dinner
Creamy Tuna Pasta
Dinner
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
Dinner
Salmon Rice Bowl RecipeVariations
- Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Grill shrimp using the recipe seasonings. Make the lemon butter sauce on the stovetop and pour over the shrimp.
- Spicy: Add more cayenne to the seasoning or sprinkle on red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Shrimp: Mix heavy cream and Parmesan into the skillet instead of the final butter. Heat on low to keep it smooth.
