I have always loved cooking simple yet tasty dishes. One of my favorite recipes is Lemon Garlic Shrimp. This dish is perfect because it's quick to make and full of flavor. I like how the lemon and garlic mix together to create a bright and savory taste that goes so well with the shrimp.
What's great about this recipe is that you don't need a lot of ingredients or time. You just need shrimp, lemon, garlic, butter, and a few other basics. It's perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress someone with a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
I enjoy making Lemon Garlic Shrimp because it's a light and refreshing dish. The lemon adds a zesty kick, and the garlic gives it a warm, comforting flavor. Plus, shrimp is healthy and cooks quickly, so you can have dinner ready in no time.
Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of veggies, Lemon Garlic Shrimp is sure to be a hit. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. If you're looking for a new go-to meal, give this Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe a try!
Table of Contents
Chef's Notes – Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Prepping the Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan.
- Minced Garlic: Use fresh garlic and mince it finely for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic in jars can have a different taste and texture.
- Butter: Use cold butter and add it gradually to create a rich, emulsified sauce. This technique is called “monter au beurre” and prevents the sauce from separating.
- Heat Control: Start with high heat to sear the shrimp and then reduce the heat to low when adding the butter. This helps in controlling the sauce thickness and prevents the butter from burning.
- Caper Brine: If you don't have caper brine, you can use a bit of white wine or chicken broth for a similar tangy flavor.
- Parsley: Add half of the parsley during cooking and sprinkle the rest on top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serving: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked or reheated.
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes320
kcal25
minutesDive into a zesty world with this quick Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe! Experience a burst of flavors as you savor succulent shrimp in a buttery lemon garlic sauce. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Ingredients
1 ½ tablespoons Olive Oil
1 pound Shrimp peeled and deveined
to taste Salt
6 cloves Garlic finely minced
¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon Caper Brine
2 tablespoons Butter cold, cut into 4 pieces
⅓ cup Flat-leaf Parsley chopped, divided
1 teaspoon Water or as needed
- Alternative Ingredients
For dairy-free: Use a plant-based butter substitute.
For gluten-free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke. Place shrimp in an even layer on the bottom of the pan and cook for 1 minute without stirring.
- Season shrimp with salt; cook and stir until shrimp begin to turn pink, about 1 minute.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in lemon juice, caper brine, 1 piece of butter, and 1/2 of the parsley; cook until butter has melted, about 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in remaining 3 pieces butter. Cook and stir until butter has melted, sauce is thick, and shrimp are pink and opaque, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl; continue to cook butter sauce, adding water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if too thick, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste; serve shrimp topped with the pan sauce and remaining parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 6mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ – Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes to thaw quickly. Pat them dry before adding to the pan.
What can I use if I don't have caper brine?
If you don't have caper brine, you can use a splash of white wine or chicken broth as a substitute. Both options will add a different but equally delicious flavor to the sauce.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already dairy-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook the shrimp right before serving. If you need to reheat, do so gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
What side dishes go well with Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
Lemon Garlic Shrimp pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad. These sides help to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
