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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley - Lemon wedges for garnish The main ingredients in Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp create a big flavor. You start with large shrimp because they cook quickly and taste great. The unsalted butter adds richness. Garlic gives it a tasty kick, while red pepper flakes add just the right heat. Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish and enhance the shrimp's flavors. Seasoning is also key. You will use salt and pepper to make everything pop. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch and color. Lemon wedges give you an extra burst of flavor when served. This dish is not just quick but also simple to make. You can find the full recipe in the article. Enjoy cooking! - Drying the Shrimp Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is key. Dry shrimp sear better. If they are wet, they will steam and not brown. Set the shrimp aside after drying. - Preparing the Skillet Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt fully. Once it bubbles lightly, you’re ready for the next step. - Sautéing Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Add 6 finely minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Also, toss in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. Stir often to avoid burning the garlic. You want it fragrant, not brown. - Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection Turn the heat to medium-high. Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them; size may affect cooking time. - Adding Lemon Zest and Juice Once the shrimp are cooked, add the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Stir gently so the shrimp soak up that buttery flavor. This adds a fresh and zesty kick that brightens the dish. - Incorporating Parsley Remove the skillet from the heat. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. Mix it in well. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. - Serving Suggestions Serve the shrimp right away. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side. They look great and add more zest. This dish is quick and makes a lovely meal. For the full recipe, check the section above. Patting Shrimp Dry Patting shrimp dry is a must. Use paper towels to soak up moisture. This step helps achieve a nice sear. If shrimp are wet, they will steam instead of sear. A good sear adds flavor and texture. Adjusting Cooking Time Cooking time depends on shrimp size. For large shrimp, cook about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for a pink color and firm texture. If they turn rubbery, you’ve cooked them too long. Remember, shrimp cook fast! Garlic Preparation Tips Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Mince it finely to release its oils. This way, it infuses the butter better. Be careful not to burn the garlic while cooking. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. Adjusting Spice Level Red pepper flakes add heat, but you can change that. Start with a small amount if you’re unsure. Taste as you go! You can always add more for a spicier kick. Creative Ways to Serve Serve the shrimp in a bowl with some sauce. This keeps the shrimp juicy. You can also serve them over a bed of rice or pasta. This adds texture and makes the dish heartier. Plating Suggestions Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. Use a white plate to make the shrimp pop visually. A good plate makes any dish look gourmet. For a fun touch, add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. Both options pair well with the garlic butter and lemon flavors. You can easily adapt the cooking time. For chicken, cook it until it's no longer pink. For scallops, cook them for about two minutes per side. You can also play with the herbs and spices. Add fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme for more flavor. A touch of smoked paprika will give it a nice twist. Experiment and find your favorite mix! If you need a gluten-free option, this recipe already fits the bill! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check any spice blends for hidden gluten. For a low-carb version, skip the butter and use olive oil. This will cut down on carbs but keep the dish rich. You can also serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a tasty base. This dish shines with simple sides. I recommend a fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette. It balances the rich garlic butter well. Try roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for veggies that add color and crunch. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the shrimp nicely. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling lemon water will add a refreshing touch. For the complete cooking details, check out the Full Recipe! How do I store Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp? To keep your shrimp fresh, let them cool to room temperature first. Transfer them into an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavors. Store the container in the fridge if you plan to eat them within a few days. What are the recommended storage containers? Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. These containers keep the shrimp safe from air and bacteria. If you want to store them longer, consider using freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. What are the best methods to reheat? The best way to reheat Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp is on the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil, and then add the shrimp. Stir gently until warmed through. How do I maintain flavor and texture? To keep the shrimp tender, do not overcook them. Heat just until they are warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. How long do I cook the shrimp? You cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and not be translucent. Watch them closely to avoid overcooking. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first in cold water. Pat them dry before cooking for the best results. What is the best type of shrimp for this recipe? Large shrimp work best for this dish. They cook evenly and hold up well in the sauce. Look for shrimp labeled as "U/10" or "16/20" for great size. Can I make this dish without garlic? You can skip the garlic, but you lose a lot of flavor. Try adding herbs like basil or thyme for some taste. What can I substitute for butter? If you want to avoid butter, use olive oil or coconut oil. These oils add a nice flavor and keep the dish healthy. Caloric content per serving Each serving has about 250 calories. This includes the shrimp, butter, and lemon. It’s a light meal that’s packed with protein. Recipe variations for health benefits To make it healthier, use less butter or add more veggies. You can serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or brown rice for extra fiber. In this blog post, we covered how to make tasty garlic butter lemon shrimp using simple ingredients. You learned about preparing and cooking the shrimp perfectly while adding flavor. We shared helpful tips, variations, and how to store your leftovers for future meals. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy. Try new flavors and enjoy your delicious shrimp dish! By following these steps, you’ll impress family and friends alike. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of garlic butter lemon shrimp that you can whip up in just 15 minutes! This quick and easy recipe features juicy shrimp coated in a rich garlic buttery sauce with zesty lemon notes. Perfect for a delightful weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this delicious seafood dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a beautiful sear rather than steaming them during cooking. Set the shrimp aside.

    In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once the butter is fully melted and starts to bubble gently, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.

      Raise the heat to medium-high, then carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

        Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they have turned a lovely pink hue and are no longer translucent. Cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of your shrimp, so keep an eye on them.

          Once the shrimp are beautifully cooked, add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated in the rich, buttery garlic sauce.

            Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the chopped parsley and mix it in for a burst of freshness that complements the dish perfectly.

              Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4