Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
If you are searching for a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavor and can come together in just 20 minutes, look no further than the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe. This dish blends tender, juicy shrimp with vibrant lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a touch of butter to create a sauce that’s nothing short of irresistible. Ready in a flash yet impressive enough for company, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy notes that will quickly make it a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential, each playing a special role in building the vibrant taste, enticing aroma, and pleasing texture of this recipe.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing garlic and infusing the shrimp with richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a whisper of heat that lifts the flavor beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Forms the savory foundation for the luscious lemon garlic sauce.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Delivers that signature tangy brightness that defines this recipe.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds extra lemony fragrance and depth without extra acidity.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a velvety, rich finish to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes on top.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all flavors.
How to Make Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by seasoning the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite has a perfect hint of savory balance. This simple step lays the groundwork for the full flavor experience.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This quick step is key for releasing that inviting garlicky aroma that sets the tone for the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This ensures they stay tender yet fully cooked. Remove the shrimp and set aside so they can rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Then stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter. Keep stirring until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy—this is where the magic really happens.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them thoroughly in the luscious lemon garlic sauce. Let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the shrimp are heated through and perfectly infused with the sauce flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once off the heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and a fresh herbal finish. This last touch elevates the dish visually and in taste.
How to Serve Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh parsley for its color and brightness, or add thin lemon slices for an extra citrusy flourish. A light dusting of fresh cracked pepper also adds a subtle kick and visual appeal. Garnishes don’t just decorate — they bring an inviting freshness that complements the rich sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, neutral sides such as fluffy jasmine rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta to soak up all that delicious lemon garlic sauce. For a fresh crunch, serve alongside steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the shrimp over a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb option or alongside crusty garlic bread for dipping. You can also stuff the shrimp and sauce mixture into toasted baguette slices for an irresistible appetizer that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will stay tender and the flavors remain vibrant, making it perfect for a quick reheated meal.
Freezing
While shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of chicken broth or olive oil helps keep the sauce silky and prevents the shrimp from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the shrimp before cooking to avoid excess water, which can dilute the sauce.
How do I adjust the spiciness?
If you prefer less heat, simply skip or reduce the red pepper flakes. To add more kick, increase the amount gradually to your taste.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt; however, chicken broth adds an extra layer of savory depth.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and double-check seasonings.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
While it’s best to make the sauce fresh, you can mix the lemon juice, zest, and butter ahead of time and warm gently before adding to the shrimp for convenience.
Final Thoughts
This Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. It’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, proving that quick dishes can be gourmet too. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner or impressive dish for guests!
Print
Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic and lemon butter sauce, enhanced with a hint of red pepper flakes for mild heat, and fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Perfect for a quick, elegant dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the large shrimp with salt and pepper evenly on both sides to bring out the flavor before cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Then remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the same skillet, bringing it to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to add depth of flavor.
- Add Lemon and Butter: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and unsalted butter until the butter has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them thoroughly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are reheated and infused with the lemon garlic flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp before serving to add freshness and color to the dish.
Notes
- For spicier shrimp, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
