Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, then this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Tender, juicy shrimp baked to perfection in a rich and zesty garlic lemon butter sauce delivers a perfect balance of buttery richness, citrus brightness, and a subtle hint of heat. Whether you are craving a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to impress guests, this recipe offers simple ingredients and steps that come together for an unforgettable seafood experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient adds something special—from the fresh garlic that lends an aromatic depth, to the vibrant lemon juice and zest, which brighten the flavor and keep it light and refreshing. The melted butter creates that irresistible silky sauce, while the spices enhance and tie everything together.
- 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Using large shrimp ensures a juicy bite and quick, even cooking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter is the luxurious base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers a warm, pungent kick to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Lemon zest provides an extra concentrated citrus aroma and flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat that balances the buttery tang perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds subtle smokiness and enhances the color of the shrimp.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring the dish to life.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal brightness and a pop of green color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Extra lemon wedges turn up the citrus freshness at the table for those who love a zesty finish.
How to Make Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first — preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking shrimp quickly while keeping them tender and juicy. Lightly grease your baking dish or an oven-safe skillet with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Arrange the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Giving each shrimp room helps them cook evenly and absorb the sauce fully. Seeing those beautiful shrimp neatly lined up feels like the first step towards a truly rewarding meal.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat), paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until well combined. This sauce is the soul of the dish—the creamy butter melds with the zing of lemon and the spicy undertones to coat every shrimp with irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce and Bake
Generously pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring every piece gets that luscious coating. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. This short baking time keeps the shrimp tender with just the right touch of caramelization around the edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley. The bright green parsley brings a fresh aroma and vibrant color that makes the dish pop. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for anyone wanting an extra citrusy zing.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley is more than just decoration—it introduces a fresh herbal contrast to the richness of the butter sauce. Bright lemon wedges at the table invite everyone to add their own splash of tang, elevating the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it over a bed of steaming white rice or tender pasta to soak up all of that dreamy garlic lemon butter sauce. Crusty bread is another perfect option and makes for a delicious way to mop up any leftover sauce. For a lighter meal, add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the baked shrimp in individual small cast-iron skillets or rustic ramekins. This not only looks charming but keeps the shrimp warm longer. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a lemon twist. You could also skewer the shrimp first, then bake and drizzle them with the garlic lemon butter sauce for a fun appetizer version of this beloved recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which may be hard!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shrimp will keep their best quality for up to 2 days, but it’s best to enjoy them as soon as possible for that fresh taste and texture.
Freezing
While baking shrimp fresh is ideal, you can freeze leftovers by placing the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion and consume within one month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly, covering them to retain moisture. Avoid high heat or prolonged reheating to prevent overcooked, rubbery shrimp. Adding a tiny knob of butter or a splash of water can help refresh the sauce as you warm it up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before baking to avoid excess water in the dish. This helps the sauce cling beautifully to the shrimp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add other spices or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of smoked paprika, fresh dill, or thyme for a different herbaceous twist. Just be careful not to overpower the bright lemon and garlic flavors that are the heart of this dish.
How long can I marinate the shrimp in the butter sauce?
If you have time, marinating the shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes before baking can deepen the flavor. However, it’s not necessary—baking right after mixing the sauce still gives fantastic results.
What should I serve with this dish for a dinner party?
For an impressive dinner party, serve the baked shrimp alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a light risotto. A simple green salad and a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water will complete your elegant meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe enough—it’s simple, quick, and packs a punch of bright, buttery flavor that makes shrimp lovers and newcomers alike fall head over heels. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or just treating yourself to a tasty meal, this dish will bring smiles around the table every time. Give it a try and enjoy that perfect balance of garlic, lemon, and butter with succulent baked shrimp!
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Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring large shrimp coated in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, then baked to perfection. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, it combines the freshness of lemon and parsley with the richness of butter and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer within the prepared dish, ensuring even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Shrimp: Pour the prepared garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the arranged shrimp, making sure each piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and freshness, and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic lemon butter sauce.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture before baking.
- To save time, use pre-peeled shrimp when available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
