Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

This Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for any night when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. It’s full of zesty lemon, savory butter, and aromatic garlic, making it a dish that’s both fresh and comforting.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with fresh flavors, Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender shrimp with a rich, buttery lemon sauce that’s infused with garlic and just the right amount of seasoning. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it as a special meal, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

With minimal ingredients and a short prep time, it’s the ideal recipe for a hassle-free meal that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet elegant dish!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Quick & Easy: The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish.

Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce makes the shrimp juicy and flavorful, with hints of garlic and herbs.

Versatile: You can serve it with pasta, rice, or even on its own with a side of vegetables for a light meal.

Healthy: Shrimp is a lean protein, and with the healthy fat from olive oil and butter, it makes a satisfying and balanced dish.

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

1 lb (450g) raw shrimp – Peeled and deveined, the shrimp should be fresh or thawed if frozen.

4 tbsp unsalted butter – Provides the rich, buttery flavor that coats the shrimp.

3 cloves garlic – Minced garlic adds an aromatic depth of flavor.

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice – For a tangy, citrusy zing.

1 tsp lemon zest – Adds a burst of lemony fragrance.

½ tsp salt – To season the shrimp.

½ tsp black pepper – Adds a slight kick and balance.

½ tsp paprika – Optional, for color and a mild smokiness.

½ tsp red pepper flakes – Optional, for some heat.

1 tbsp fresh parsley – Chopped, for garnish and freshness.

1 tbsp olive oil – Adds a little extra richness and helps coat the shrimp evenly.

½ cup breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese – Optional, for a crispy topping and extra texture.

Lemon slices – For garnish and additional lemon flavor.

Instructions for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and get a nice texture. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until everything is combined.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, then toss gently to coat all the shrimp in the sauce. Make sure each piece is coated in the flavorful sauce for the best taste.

Step 5: Optional Topping

For a bit of crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp. This will create a delicious, crispy topping once baked.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked.

Step 7: Broil (Optional)

For a golden, crispy top, you can broil the shrimp on high for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Once the shrimp is cooked, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon slices for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Over Pasta: Serve the shrimp over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair for a satisfying pasta dish.

With Rice: Pair the shrimp with a side of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a light, low-carb option.

With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce. Perfect for dipping!

With Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a green salad balances the richness of the shrimp.

Helpful Tips for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp works best for the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp will also work as long as it’s thawed properly.

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it turns opaque.

Adjust spice levels: If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Customize the topping: Breadcrumbs or Parmesan add a nice crunch, but you can skip this step if you prefer a simpler, buttery shrimp dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 180 kcal

Fat: 12g

Carbohydrates: 3g

Protein: 21g

Sodium: 600mg

Conclusion

This Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a fresh and flavorful seafood dish without a lot of effort. The tangy lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic come together to make shrimp that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly tender. Whether served over pasta, with rice, or with a side of veggies, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves quick, tasty meals.

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