Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

There’s something irresistible about tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a bright splash of lemon. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve guests.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a simple seafood dish that required minimal effort but delivered maximum flavor. It has since become a staple in my kitchen, offering a perfect balance of richness and freshness in every bite.

Why You'll Love This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as effortless as it is delicious.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a gourmet-style dish on the table in under 20 minutes.

This recipe is also packed with flavor. The combination of buttery garlic, zesty lemon, and tender shrimp creates a mouthwatering bite every time.

It’s versatile, too! Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. You can even toss it into a salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Lastly, this dish is naturally low in carbs and packed with protein, making it a great option for those following a keto-friendly or healthy eating plan.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients.

Shrimp is the star of the show. Look for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture and flavor. Fresh is always best, but high-quality frozen shrimp works well, too—just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Butter provides a rich, silky base for the sauce. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can better control the seasoning. If you love an extra buttery taste, feel free to add a little more at the end.

Garlic is the key to infusing deep, savory flavor. Freshly minced garlic cloves are best, but pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch.

Lemon juice and zest add brightness and tang, balancing the richness of the butter. Fresh lemon juice is essential for the best flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t compare.

Parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the fresh flavors of the dish. If you don’t have parsley, fresh cilantro or basil can work as substitutes.

You’ll also need a baking dish large enough to spread out the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring even cooking.

How To Make This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

This dish comes together in just a few easy steps, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it heats, arrange your shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. This ensures even cooking and allows every piece to soak up the flavorful sauce.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.

Remove the butter mixture from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest. Pour this luscious sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Bake the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.

Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness. Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.

Storage Options

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Since shrimp can become tough when reheated, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of extra butter or lemon juice.

Freezing is not recommended for cooked shrimp in butter sauce, as the texture can become mushy when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs.

For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture before pouring it over the shrimp.

If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil. It will still be flavorful, though slightly less rich.

For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some cherry tomatoes and black olives before baking. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, adding another layer of deliciousness to the sauce.

If you want a more herby flavor, try adding fresh thyme or oregano along with the parsley. These herbs complement the garlic and lemon beautifully.

No matter how you customize it, this baked shrimp dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

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