If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, is quick to prepare, and feels like a special treat, then this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. The tender shrimp soak up a luscious garlic lemon butter sauce that’s bright, buttery, and just the right amount of zesty. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours cooking. Get ready to fall in love with this irresistibly simple and elegant seafood delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe plays a vital role. From juicy shrimp providing the perfect texture, to fresh garlic and zesty lemon that brighten the dish, and butter that adds rich, comforting flavor — this is simplicity at its tastiest.
- Large shrimp (1 1/2 lbs): Peeled and deveined for easy eating, shrimp are the star and provide protein and a delicate bite.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted to create a silky sauce that coats each shrimp beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with pungent, aromatic depth.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds vibrant acidity and brightness, lifting the entire dish.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Concentrated citrus flavor that complements the juice perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A dash of heat to balance the buttery richness if you like a little spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Added at the end for a fresh, herbaceous touch and vibrant color.
- Lemon wedges: For serving, allowing extra tangy zest as desired.
How to Make Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting the oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the shrimp cook gently, staying tender and juicy rather than rubbery. Lightly grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Arrange your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet. Spreading them evenly helps each shrimp cook evenly. Sprinkling with salt and pepper at this stage layers in essential seasoning right before the flavorful sauce goes on.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir thoughtfully until all the ingredients blend into a silky, aromatic sauce that’s positively mouthwatering.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp with Sauce
Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, taking care to coat each one thoroughly. This ensures every bite bursts with that perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty brightness.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink, become opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Be careful not to overbake — tender shrimp are the secret to this dish’s success.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle them generously with freshly chopped parsley. The herbs add a splash of green and a fresh flavor contrast that truly elevates the final plate. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add an extra zing of citrus for guests who like it bright.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch here, but feel free to add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a little extra lemon zest for visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. These light garnishes keep the dish fresh and vibrant on the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the garlic lemon butter sauce. Think fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables provide balance and color on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the shrimp in a rustic shallow dish with a drizzle of the remaining sauce spooned over. Alternatively, pile the shrimp on toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer, or wrap them in warm tortillas with avocado and greens for a fresh seafood taco.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. Because shrimp can dry out if left too long, it’s best to enjoy leftovers promptly for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s best to freeze shrimp before baking if you want to preserve freshness. If you do freeze cooked shrimp, place them in a tight container or freezer bag, removing excess air. Use within a month for optimal quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Avoid microwaving as it often makes shrimp rubbery. Reheating slowly helps maintain the tender texture and revives the flavors of the garlic lemon butter sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before baking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect texture and cooking time.
What can I substitute for butter in the sauce?
If you want a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Both will still carry the garlic and lemon flavors beautifully.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that complements the buttery and citrusy flavors without overpowering them. You can always omit them if you prefer no spice or adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the garlic lemon butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Bring it back to room temperature before pouring it over the shrimp for even coverage.
Is 10-12 minutes baking time always enough?
Generally, yes, at 350°F the shrimp will cook perfectly in that time. However, oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Shrimp cook quickly and are done once opaque and pink.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving a quick, flavorful seafood dish that tastes like a restaurant classic but is so easy to make at home. The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter makes every bite utterly irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed. It’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This delightful recipe features large shrimp baked to perfection in a flavorful garlic lemon butter sauce, creating a perfect balance of zesty citrus and rich butter. Ideal for a quick and elegant meal, the shrimp are seasoned with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of red pepper flakes, then baked until tender and juicy. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, this dish is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
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)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 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 sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the shrimp: Spread the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season the shrimp evenly with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Make the garlic lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Coat the shrimp: Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp on the baking sheet, making sure all shrimp are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake the shrimp: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, become opaque, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F, ensuring they are cooked through but still tender.
- 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, enhancing the bright citrus flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture; monitor closely during baking.
- You can use frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the garlic lemon butter sauce before baking.
- This recipe works well as an appetizer or main dish alongside rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
- If preferred, adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
