Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Zesty Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Succulent shrimp dance in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce that promises pure culinary magic.

The classic baked shrimp recipe bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and elegant simplicity.

Tender seafood meets rich, creamy seasonings in a dish that screams comfort and sophistication.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of tangy citrus and smooth buttery notes.

The recipe unfolds with minimal ingredients yet delivers maximum taste experience.

Fresh herbs and a golden-brown finish elevate this seafood sensation from ordinary to extraordinary.

Baked Shrimp Variations to Explore

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with olive oil and coconut milk for a creamy, lactose-free version that's rich in flavor.
  • Keto-Friendly Feast: Swap rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the carb count low while maintaining the delicious shrimp taste.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Add chopped kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the dish with Greek-inspired ingredients.
  • Spicy Seafood Sensation: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat, and include diced jalapeños for a fiery kick.

Serving Baked Shrimp Dishes

  • Seafood Pasta Paradise: Toss the baked shrimp over linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-quality meal that combines tender pasta with zesty garlic lemon butter sauce.
  • Mediterranean Salad Companion: Serve the shrimp atop a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and protein-packed lunch option.
  • Coastal Appetizer Spread: Arrange the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks, surrounded by lemon wedges and fresh herbs, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a delightful starter.
  • Bread Dipping Delight: Use crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the extra garlic lemon butter sauce, transforming this dish into an irresistible shared plate.

Baked Shrimp Storage for Later

  • Transfer cooled shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cover tightly to prevent odors from spreading.
  • Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir gently between intervals to ensure even heating.
  • Preheat oven to 275°F, place shrimp in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 5-7 minutes. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before baking to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess water.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, with a slight curl. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during the last few minutes.

  • Is it necessary to devein the shrimp?

For large shrimp, deveining is recommended for better texture and appearance. Simply make a shallow cut along the back and remove the dark digestive tract.

Why Baked Shrimp with Lemon Butter Works

  • Whip Up Quick Delight: This recipe transforms ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering meal in just minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality flavors.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Versatile dish allows easy pairing with rice, pasta, or bread, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Elevate Weeknight Cooking: Simple ingredients and straightforward technique help even novice cooks create a sophisticated, zesty seafood dish that impresses family and guests.
  • Bursting with Flavor: Garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes create a vibrant sauce that turns basic shrimp into a tantalizing culinary experience without complicated techniques.

Key Ingredients for Baked Shrimp

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that serves as the star of this delicious dish.
Sauce Base:
  • Butter: Rich and creamy ingredient that creates a luxurious coating for the shrimp.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the butter sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy liquid that provides a fresh and zesty element to the recipe.
  • Lemon Zest: Citrusy outer layer of the lemon that intensifies the citrus flavor and adds aromatic notes.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy ingredient that adds a subtle heat and warmth to the sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that brings a fresh, green garnish to the final presentation.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional cheese that adds a salty, nutty finish to the baked shrimp.

Making Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

This warm temperature will help create perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp.

Step 2: Arrange the Seafood

Spread the shrimp in a single, beautiful layer across your baking dish.

Give each little crustacean some breathing room for even cooking.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Explosion

Whip up a mouthwatering sauce by combining:
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir these ingredients until they’re beautifully blended and singing with flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Pour the tantalizing sauce over the shrimp, gently tossing to ensure every single piece gets a luxurious coating of the zesty mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let the shrimp cook for 10-12 minutes until they transform into a gorgeous pink color and become wonderfully opaque.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and a dusting of Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your shrimp while they’re hot and steamy.

Serve alongside fluffy rice, twirly pasta, or a crusty slice of bread to soak up all that incredible sauce.

Tips for Flavorful Baked Shrimp

  • Check shrimp at 8 minutes to avoid rubbery texture, as they cook quickly and can become tough if left too long in the oven.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more robust and authentic taste that elevates the entire dish.
  • Choose large or jumbo shrimp with shells removed but tails intact for better presentation and easier eating.
  • Chop parsley right before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic qualities of the herb.
  • Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional grains and pasta.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent shrimp dance in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, promising Mediterranean coastal charm on your plate. Crisp herbs and golden edges elevate this simple yet elegant seafood classic that brings restaurant-quality excitement straight from your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Sauces and Toppings:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a precise 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for delicate shrimp.
  2. Spread the shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer within a spacious baking dish to ensure even heat distribution.
  3. Craft a zesty sauce by whisking together golden melted butter, minced garlic, bright lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and a balanced blend of seasonings including salt, pepper, and fiery red pepper flakes.
  4. Generously drizzle the aromatic butter mixture over the shrimp, gently tumbling them to achieve a complete, uniform coating.
  5. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the shrimp to transform from translucent to a vibrant pink, typically requiring 10-12 minutes of cooking time.
  6. Once removed from the oven, enhance the dish with a verdant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and optional delicate Parmesan cheese shavings.
  7. Present immediately while piping hot, accompanied by your choice of fluffy rice, tender pasta, or crusty artisan bread to soak up the luxurious sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry before baking to prevent excess moisture and achieve a perfect golden sear.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace regular butter with clarified butter or ghee and serve with gluten-free sides like cauliflower rice.
  • Reduce red pepper flakes for a milder flavor or increase for extra heat, tailoring the spice level to personal preference.
  • When selecting shrimp, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen varieties with consistent size for even cooking and optimal texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 184
  • Sugar: 0.3 g
  • Sodium: 2916 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 195 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star