If you’re craving a seafood dish that bursts with zesty freshness and rich buttery goodness, you’re in the right place. This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is an absolute game-changer for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests without fuss. The shrimp come out perfectly tender, bathed in a luscious sauce that combines garlic’s bold punch with bright citrus and creamy butter, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and invigorating. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy, making it a forever favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from the succulent shrimp to the tangy lemon juice and the flavorful garlic butter sauce. The beauty lies in how simple ingredients come together to create a dish full of texture, color, and irresistible taste.
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp, tails on or off, to keep the texture juicy and tender.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps carry the aromatic garlic and lemon flavors.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is the heart of the sauce, giving it that unforgettable savory bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons): Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the butter’s richness beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds extra depth and an inviting citrus fragrance.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle heat kick that elevates the sauce without overpowering it.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: Perfect for squeezing extra zing just before eating.
How to Make Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the shrimp bake evenly without sticking, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single even layer on the baking sheet. Season them generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the upcoming flavor explosion.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. The sauce is where all the magic happens—garlic’s pungency balances perfectly with the lemon’s bright notes and the butter’s creamy texture.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Pour the sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure every piece is generously coated. This step guarantees that each bite delivers that perfect harmony of garlicky, buttery, and citrusy goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Shrimp
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink, become opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. It’s a quick bake, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle the shrimp with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges on the side to squeeze on just before digging in. This final touch ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here—it adds vibrant color and a subtle herbaceous note. Couple this with a few lemon wedges on the side for an inviting presentation that encourages diners to add an extra splash of citrus as they please.
Side Dishes
This shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa that soak up the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables complement the richness without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp atop cooked pasta or creamy risotto for a more filling meal. You might also arrange them over a toasted baguette slice for an elegant appetizer or serve with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that incredible garlic lemon butter sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The shrimp will stay tender if not overcooked initially, making it easy to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked shrimp in the butter sauce for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container and be sure to thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp. Adding a little fresh butter or lemon juice during reheating can refresh the sauce and keep flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before baking to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and don’t release excess water in the oven.
What if I don’t like spicy food—can I skip the red pepper flakes?
Yes, feel free to leave out the red pepper flakes. The sauce is deliciously flavorful without the heat, but the flakes add an optional gentle kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely. It’s quick, reheats well, and pairs nicely with multiple sides, making it ideal for easy weeknight meals or prepping lunches ahead of time.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches. The sauce proportions scale nicely to keep every shrimp perfectly coated.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony butter and garlic notes beautifully without overpowering the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe. It’s a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy. Give it a go—you might just find your new go-to seafood favorite!
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Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet flavorful seafood dish perfect for a quick and elegant meal. Succulent shrimp are coated in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce and baked to perfection, resulting in a tender, juicy entree that pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, salad, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
- Prepare the shrimp: Spread the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season them evenly with salt and pepper to taste over the top.
- Make the garlic lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are blended.
- Coat the shrimp: Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp on the baking sheet, making sure each piece is coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake the shrimp: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, become opaque, and are cooked through. The internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the shrimp for added brightness.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can marinate the shrimp in the garlic lemon butter sauce for 15-30 minutes before baking.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, include the red pepper flakes; otherwise, omit for a milder taste.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant citrus flavor.
