Garlic Shrimp Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce – Easy, Elegant, and Ready in Minutes

If you’re searching for the ultimate garlic shrimp recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and impressive enough for guests, this Garlic Shrimp Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce delivers everything you need. Tender shrimp sautéed in fragrant garlic, finished with fresh lemon juice and rich butter, create a silky sauce that coats every bite perfectly.

This lemon butter shrimp recipe is the definition of simple elegance. It requires minimal ingredients, cooks in under 20 minutes, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or fresh vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special date-night meal, this easy shrimp dinner never disappoints.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master this quick seafood recipe at home.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Recipe

There are countless shrimp with lemon sauce variations out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
• Restaurant-quality flavor
• Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
• Naturally low-carb and high-protein
• Easily adaptable with herbs and spices

Shrimp cook incredibly fast, making them ideal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Ingredient Notes & Tips

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this garlic shrimp recipe. Fresh or frozen both work well—just ensure frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Fresh Lemon Is Key

Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a dramatic difference. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness that defines true lemon butter shrimp flavor.

Butter + Olive Oil Combination

Using both butter and olive oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly while maintaining rich flavor.

Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden.
6. Flip shrimp and cook an additional 1–2 minutes until opaque and fully cooked.
7. Reduce heat to low. Add remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
8. Stir gently until butter melts and sauce becomes glossy.
9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
10. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.

How to Tell When Shrimp Are Done

Overcooking is the most common mistake in any quick seafood recipe. Properly cooked shrimp:

• Turn pink and opaque
• Form a loose “C” shape
• Feel firm but tender

If they curl tightly into an “O” shape, they’re likely overcooked.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

This garlic shrimp recipe creates the perfect balance:

• Garlic adds depth and aroma
• Butter contributes richness
• Lemon provides brightness and acidity
• Parsley adds freshness
• Red pepper flakes offer subtle heat

The result is a vibrant, balanced shrimp with lemon sauce that tastes light yet indulgent.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon butter shrimp pairs beautifully with:

Pasta

Toss with linguine or spaghetti for a classic shrimp scampi-style dish.

Rice

Serve over jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every drop of sauce.

Crusty Bread

Warm baguette slices are perfect for dipping into the buttery lemon sauce.

Vegetables

Pair with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or steamed broccoli.

Low-Carb Option

Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Variations to Try

Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Add 1/4 cup heavy cream after adding lemon juice for a richer sauce.

White Wine Version

Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup dry white wine before adding butter.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

Herb-Forward Twist

Add fresh thyme or basil for a Mediterranean touch.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwaving too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp are:

• High in protein
• Low in calories
• Rich in selenium
• A good source of vitamin B12
• Naturally low in carbohydrates

This makes garlic shrimp recipe options ideal for keto, low-carb, and high-protein diets.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Butter Shrimp

• Always pat shrimp dry before cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Use medium heat to avoid burning garlic.
• Add lemon juice at the end to preserve brightness.
• Serve immediately for best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Burning the Garlic

Garlic cooks quickly. Burned garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the sauce.

Overcrowding the Pan

Too many shrimp at once causes steaming instead of searing.

Overcooking

Shrimp cook in just a few minutes—watch closely.

Why This Is the Best Easy Shrimp Dinner

This easy shrimp dinner stands out because it combines speed with sophistication. In less time than ordering takeout, you can create a meal that feels elegant and satisfying.

The buttery lemon sauce feels luxurious without being heavy. The garlic aroma fills your kitchen instantly, and the vibrant color of the shrimp makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute butter with additional olive oil or plant-based butter.

Can I prepare it ahead?

Shrimp are best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance for faster cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. It’s bright, buttery, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this shrimp with lemon sauce recipe guarantees a delicious result every time. Keep it classic or customize with your favorite herbs and spices—the foundation is perfectly balanced and endlessly adaptable.

Once you try this quick seafood recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Garlic Shrimp Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce

Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic and finished with a rich, bright lemon butter sauce. Ready in minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 280

Ingredients

  

Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp in a single layer and season.
4. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and remaining butter.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp. Best served immediately with pasta, rice, or bread.