Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Name: Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 4 cloves garlic (minced); Juice of 1 large lemon; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh parsley (chopped); Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on February 27, 2025

The aroma of lemon garlic shrimp wafts through the air like an enticing whisper from the culinary gods. Imagine succulent shrimp glistening in a buttery sauce that dances with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic. It’s a dish that beckons you to the table with promises of flavor explosions and culinary delight.

Growing up, my family had a tradition of Friday night seafood feasts. My dad would don his apron and whip up his famous lemon garlic shrimp while we eagerly awaited dinner, our mouths watering in anticipation. It was the kind of meal that made everyone gather around the table—not just for the food but for the laughter and stories shared over each savory bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy lemon garlic shrimp recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions
The flavor profile is bright and refreshing, making it a crowd-pleaser
Visually stunning with vibrant colors, this dish adds flair to any plate
Versatile enough to serve over pasta or rice, it’s sure to impress without stressing you out

I recall one particular evening when we made this dish; my aunt declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which I found amusing since we were all there for the shrimp!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Shrimp: Use large, fresh or frozen shrimp for juiciness; shell-on adds extra flavor if you don’t mind peeling.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides robust flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties for better taste.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish; bottled juice simply won’t cut it!
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control saltiness; it adds richness that enhances the overall flavor.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; chop finely for even distribution.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil complements the butter and keeps things smooth.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; they’re essential to enhance all flavors in your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Before everything else starts smelling amazing, let’s gather our little kitchen army!

Prep Your Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold water for about 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels so they can brown nicely later.

Melt That Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until bubbly and fragrant.

Add Garlic Goodness: Toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic once the butter begins to sizzle. Stir until golden brown—this should take about 1-2 minutes.

Lemon Time: Squeeze in juice from 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons). Stir well—you’ll want that citrusy goodness mingling with your garlicky aroma!

Cook the Shrimp: Now add your prepared shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—like little pieces of delicious coral.

Toss in Parsley: Once cooked through, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your creation. Give everything a good stir—visualize those vibrant colors coming together!

And voilà! You’ve just created a sumptuous plate of lemon garlic shrimp that’ll have everyone clamoring for more.

This delightful dish encapsulates everything wonderful about cooking—it’s simple yet elegant enough to impress anyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re savoring it solo after a long day or sharing it with loved ones during a special occasion, this lemon garlic shrimp will surely steal hearts (and stomachs) everywhere!

You Must Know

This lemon garlic shrimp recipe elevates any meal with bright flavors and quick preparation
Perfect for busy evenings, it pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice, making dinner feel gourmet without the fuss
The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic while you prepare your ingredients. Sauté them swiftly in a hot pan for a perfect sear, ensuring they remain juicy.

Add Your Touch

Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, fresh herbs for brightness, or substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken. These tweaks can give your dish a whole new flavor profile!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lemon garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve tenderness and avoid overcooking.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly cooked shrimp, look for a pink hue and firm texture; overcooking will make them rubbery
Marinate just long enough to infuse flavor without compromising texture
Pair with a refreshing salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Sharing this lemon garlic shrimp recipe reminds me of a summer evening when my friends declared it “restaurant quality.” Their compliments were music to my ears, and I realized that simple ingredients could create such joy.

FAQ

What type of shrimp should I use for lemon garlic shrimp?

Use large or jumbo shrimp for best results; they’re meatier and hold up better when cooking.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating for even flavor distribution.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque; this usually takes about 3-5 minutes per batch.