Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Bright, Flavor-Packed Dish Ready in Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can produce extraordinary flavour. With its bright citrus notes, rich buttery sauce, and tender shrimp, this recipe is refreshing, savoury, and wonderfully aromatic. It is a weeknight favourite of mine because it cooks in minutes yet tastes elegant enough for entertaining. The lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a balanced sauce that coats each shrimp perfectly. I once prepared this using a splash of almond milk to slightly loosen the sauce, and it worked surprisingly well—still velvety and smooth, but lighter. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh crusty bread for dipping. Whether you enjoy seafood often or are just adding it to your repertoire, this recipe delivers a bright, clean flavour profile and a satisfying richness that feels both comforting and refined.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp

Fresh or frozen shrimp form the base of the dish. Large shrimp hold their shape well and provide a juicy, meaty bite once cooked. Cleaning and deveining them ensures a clean flavour.

Butter

Butter provides richness and creates the silky sauce that makes this recipe so satisfying. As it melts, it carries the garlic and lemon beautifully, coating the shrimp evenly.

Garlic

Garlic adds sharpness and aromatic depth. When sautéed lightly, it releases bold flavour without turning bitter, becoming the backbone of the sauce.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter, delivering a clean, refreshing finish.

Lemon Zest

Zest provides concentrated citrus aroma. A small amount goes a long way, adding complexity without additional acidity.

Olive Oil

A touch of olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds smoothness to the sauce.

Parsley

Fresh parsley introduces herbal brightness. Its freshness complements the lemon perfectly and enhances the presentation.

Salt and Pepper

Simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balances the flavours throughout.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

These add a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the citrus elements. Use sparingly if serving to children.

Directions

Start by patting the shrimp dry to ensure they sear rather than steam. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and half of the butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the shrimp in a single layer, searing them for a minute or two on each side until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring to form a smooth sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for a minute so the flavours meld. Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve immediately while hot, spooning the sauce generously over the shrimp. This dish cooks quickly, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking, ensuring the shrimp stay tender.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people comfortably. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking requires only 6 to 8 minutes. Because shrimp cook quickly, the dish comes together fast, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If the sauce thickens, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen it. Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery once thawed and reheated.

Variations and Customizations

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Add a splash of cream or half-and-half to the pan for a richer, silkier sauce.

Lemon Herb Shrimp

Incorporate thyme or basil for an aromatic twist.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp

Add Cajun seasoning for bold heat and smokiness.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Toss the finished shrimp and sauce with cooked pasta for a complete meal.

Grilled Lemon Shrimp

Marinate the shrimp in lemon and garlic, then grill for a smoky variation.

Mediterranean-Style Shrimp

Mix in cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta for a fresh Mediterranean flavour.

Honey Lemon Shrimp

Add a touch of honey to balance the acidity with subtle sweetness.

Veggie-Packed Version

Stir in spinach, asparagus, or zucchini for additional colour and texture.

Low-Carb Option

Serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

Lemon Garlic Butter Rice Bowl

Serve the shrimp atop rice with extra sauce for a hearty, comforting bowl.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw fully and dry thoroughly before cooking.

Should I remove the tails?

It is optional; tails add presentation but can be removed for easier eating.

Can I substitute lime for lemon?

Yes, though it gives a slightly sharper, more tropical flavour.

Why are my shrimp rubbery?

They have been overcooked; cook only until pink and opaque.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a beautifully simple yet flavour-rich recipe that delivers freshness, richness, and versatility in every bite. Quick to prepare and easy to customise, it suits both busy weeknights and elegant dinners. Whether served over pasta, alongside vegetables, or enjoyed on its own, this dish brings together bright citrus and savoury butter in a way that consistently delights.

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