Skip to content 
Introduction
Lemon garlic butter shrimp is a simple and tasty seafood dish that you can cook at home with very little effort. This recipe uses fresh shrimp, real butter, garlic, and lemon juice to create a bright and rich flavor. The sauce is smooth and a little tangy, and it coats every piece of shrimp perfectly. Many home cooks love this dish because it looks fancy but is actually very easy to prepare. Even if you are new to cooking, you can follow this recipe without stress and get great results.
People love lemon garlic butter shrimp because it is quick, full of flavor, and goes well with many side dishes. You can serve it with rice, pasta, bread, or even fresh salad. The smell of garlic cooking in butter is warm and inviting, and the lemon adds a fresh taste that keeps the dish light. Shrimp cooks very fast, so you do not have to wait long to enjoy your meal. This makes it perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and special.
This recipe is great for family dinners, small parties, or even a healthy lunch. It is high in protein and feels light on the stomach. Many people choose shrimp meals when they want something filling but not too heavy. The fresh lemon taste also makes it a good choice in warm weather. If you want a meal that feels comforting, healthy, and full of taste, this lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe is a smart choice.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here is everything you need for this easy lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe. Try to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Shrimp 500 grams, cleaned and peeled
Butter 4 tablespoons
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Garlic 6 cloves, finely chopped
Fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons
Lemon zest 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon or as needed
Black pepper half teaspoon
Red chili flakes half teaspoon optional
Fresh parsley 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
Water or light broth 2 tablespoons
Optional grated cheese 2 tablespoons
Optional cooked pasta or rice for serving
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Wash the shrimp under clean water. Remove the shell and tail if still attached. Take out the dark vein on the back if you see it. Pat the shrimp dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Dry shrimp cooks better and gives a nicer texture.
Step 2
Place a large pan on the stove and turn on medium heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt slowly. Do not use very high heat because butter can burn quickly.
Step 3
Add the chopped garlic to the pan. Stir it gently for about one minute. The garlic should smell nice and turn slightly light golden. Do not let it turn dark brown, or it will taste bitter.
Step 4
Put the shrimp into the pan in a single layer if possible. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over them. Let them cook without moving for about 2 minutes. Then turn each shrimp to the other side.
Step 5
Cook the other side for about 1 to 2 minutes. Shrimp cooks very fast. When they turn pink and slightly firm, they are done. Do not overcook or they will become rubbery.
Step 6
Add the remaining butter to the pan. Let it melt and mix with the garlic and shrimp. This creates a rich butter sauce that gives the dish its special taste.
Step 7
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest. Stir gently so every shrimp gets coated in the sauce. If the pan looks too dry, add 2 tablespoons of water or light broth.
Step 8
If you like a little heat, add red chili flakes now. Mix well and let everything cook together for another minute so the flavors blend.
Step 9
Turn off the heat. Taste the sauce and add more salt or lemon juice if needed. Flavor should be bright, buttery, and slightly tangy.
Step 10
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. If you like, you can also add a little grated cheese at this stage.
Step 11
Serve hot with cooked pasta, rice, or warm bread. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the top for more flavor.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe is special because it gives strong flavor with very simple ingredients. You do not need any complex cooking skills. The steps are easy and fast, which makes it perfect for beginners. From start to finish, the cooking time is usually less than 15 minutes.
Shrimp is a great source of protein and contains many useful nutrients. It is lighter than many red meat options and can fit into many healthy eating plans. When cooked with butter and garlic in the right amount, it becomes both nutritious and satisfying.
The taste is another reason this recipe stands out. You get richness from butter, sharp freshness from lemon, and deep aroma from garlic. These three flavors work together very well. The result is a dish that feels rich but not too heavy. It is comforting and fresh at the same time.
Another special point is flexibility. You can change the flavors easily. You can add herbs, a little cream, or extra spices. You can serve it in many ways, so it never feels boring.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Use fresh shrimp when possible. Fresh shrimp has a sweeter and cleaner taste. If you use frozen shrimp, thaw it fully and dry it well before cooking.
Do not overcrowd the pan. If too many shrimp are in the pan, they will release water and steam instead of sear. Cook in two rounds if needed.
Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice. Fresh juice has a brighter taste and no artificial flavor.
Add a spoon of cream at the end if you want a more rich and smooth sauce. This turns it into a creamy lemon garlic butter shrimp dish.
Try adding a few cherry tomatoes to the pan. They become soft and slightly sweet and add nice color.
You can also add spinach at the end. It wilts quickly and adds extra nutrition without changing the taste too much.
Serve with warm crusty bread. Bread helps you enjoy every drop of the butter lemon sauce.
If you like stronger garlic flavor, add one extra clove at the end and cook for just thirty seconds more.
Final Thoughts
Lemon garlic butter shrimp is one of the best quick meals you can cook at home. It is simple, fast, and full of flavor. You only need a few ingredients and one pan to create something that tastes like a restaurant dish. This recipe is great for beginners and also useful for experienced home cooks who want a quick and reliable meal.
You can make it for yourself, your family, or your guests and feel confident that it will turn out well. The fresh lemon taste, rich butter sauce, and tender shrimp create a perfect balance. Once you try it, you will likely cook it again and again in your kitchen.
Nutrition Details
Below is an approximate nutrition guide for the full recipe and per serving. Values can change based on ingredient brands and exact amounts used. This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Nutrition Table
Calories full recipe about 1200
Calories per serving about 300
Protein full recipe about 90 grams
Protein per serving about 22 grams
Fat full recipe about 80 grams
Fat per serving about 20 grams
Carbohydrates full recipe about 12 grams
Carbohydrates per serving about 3 grams
Cholesterol full recipe about 700 milligrams
Cholesterol per serving about 175 milligrams
Sodium full recipe about 2400 milligrams
Sodium per serving about 600 milligrams