Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick, vibrant dish that’s packed with zesty citrus flavor and savory garlic butter goodness. Juicy shrimp cook in minutes, making this the perfect choice for busy weeknights, elegant dinners, or a healthy protein-packed meal. It’s light, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—delicious on its own or served over pasta, rice, or salad.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

large shrimp (peeled and deveined)garlic (minced)fresh lemon juicelemon zestolive oilunsalted buttercrushed red pepper flakes (optional)fresh parsley (chopped)saltblack pepper

directions

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the lemon garlic sauce.

Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add a splash of white wine for depth in the sauce.
Use lime instead of lemon for a different citrus twist.
Serve over angel hair pasta or cauliflower rice.
Add asparagus or spinach for a one-pan meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Is it spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes—it’s easy to adjust.

Can I grill the shrimp?

Yes, marinate in lemon garlic mixture and grill for 2–3 minutes per side.

Do I need to remove tails?

Optional—leave for presentation or remove for easier eating.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Fresh or raw shrimp are best, but if using pre-cooked, heat briefly just to warm.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.

What type of lemon is best?

Fresh lemons are essential for zest and juice.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with more olive oil.

What herbs can I use besides parsley?

Try basil, thyme, or cilantro for a different twist.

Is it keto-friendly?

Yes, this dish is low-carb and keto-appropriate.

Conclusion

Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a fast, flavorful meal that comes together in minutes and delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. With fresh citrus, savory garlic, and buttery richness, it’s a go-to recipe that never fails to impress—simple enough for weeknights and special enough for company.

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