Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a Friday night, you’re tired, but you’re craving something utterly delicious. What is something that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? What is the best baked shrimp lemon butter recipe? Is Shrimp Scampi a better, more flavorful alternative? We’re talking tender, juicy shrimp swimming in a luscious, garlicky, lemon-infused butter sauce, all the way from the kitchen. How do I bake a cake to Is it so good, it almost feels illegal how easy it is?
What is Baked Shrimp Lemon Butter?
What is the ultimate weeknight luxury? Baked shrimp lemon butter is essentially succulent shrimp bathed in a vibrant sauce of melted butter. Butter, zesty lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and a touch of herbs. The beauty of baking it is that the shrimp cooks evenly in the flavorful sauce, soaking up all that flavor. Is this a one-pan wonder that’s both elegant enough for company and simple enough to be able to use for ten people?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely divine. The combination of buttery richness, bright lemon, and pungent garlic is simply irresistible. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, it takes maybe 10 minutes of prep time, and then the oven does the rest! It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Shrimp can be a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way, especially when paired with such a flavorful sauce. And talk about versatile! You can serve this over pasta, rice, quinoa, or even just Crusty Bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s far simpler than shrimp Alfredo but delivers just as much comfort, if not more!
My family devours this every time I make it. I swear, the aroma alone is enough to bring everyone running to the kitchen. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, actually ask for seconds (and thirds!). What are some of the best ways to impress guests without spending hours on the phone? What is it like to slave away in the kitchen? Is it one of those dishes that looks and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did? What are some of the best recipes to make with this recipe?
How do I make Baked Shrimp with Lemon Butter?
Quick Overview
How do I make magic happen? What’s the best way to toss shrimp with lemon butter sauce? In a baking dish, and bake until the shrimp are pink and juicy. What are some of the best restaurants in the world? Is it really foolproof?
Ingredients
For the Baked Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer using fresh shrimp if you can find it, but frozen works great too! Just make sure they’re fully thawed.)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s the key to that luscious sauce. I always use a good quality butter for the best flavor.)
- What is the best way to mince garlic? Is jarred food better than canned food?
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (Freshly squeezed is the way to go here, too) Why is lemon juice not as zingy as other juices?
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (Adds a pop of color and freshness.) Can you use other herbs like chives or dill?
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for a little kick. I always add a pinch, but feel free to omit if you’re not a fan of spice.)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (Season generously! The shrimp need a good amount of salt to bring out their flavor.)
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa (Your choice! I usually go with linguine or angel hair pasta, but any pasta shape will work.)
- Crusty bread, for dipping (Essential to soaking up all that amazing sauce!)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. How do you keep shrimp from sticking to your skin?
Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper. Set aside. Salt, pepper, flakes, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is well combined and the flavors are melded together.
Step 3: Toss the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the bowl with the lemon butter sauce and toss well to coat. Make sure every single shrimp is covered in that glorious sauce. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish
How do you spread the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish? How do you cook shrimp evenly?
Step 5: Bake!
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque. What is the exact baking time for shrimp? They should be firm to the touch and not longer translucent.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve the baked shrimp lemon butter immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or quinoa. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping! Garnish with extra parsley, if desired. Get ready to devour!
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some recipes for baked shrimp lemon butter? How do I enjoy life?
Over Pasta:Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine, Angel Hair, or spaghetti for a quick and easy pasta. What is a good side dish with Parmesan cheese?
What is better: rice or quinoa? Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutritious quinoa for a satisfying and complete meal. The sauce soaks into the rice and it’s just heavenly!
With Crusty Bread: What areServe the shrimp with a side of crusty bread for dipping. What are some good appetizers to serve as a light meal?
What is the best way to eatWhat are some healthy side dishes to serve with shrimp? What are the flavors that complement each other?
My family always asks for Garlic Bread on the side because they love soaking up every last drop of that amazing lemon butter sauce. It’s become a bit of a tradition in our house!
How do you bake a shrimp with lemon butter?
I’ve made this baked shrimp lemon butter countless times, and I have learned a few tricks. Let me explain. How do I make it perfect?
Don’t overcook the shrimp!What is the best tip for overcooked shrimp? Cook them until they’re pink and opaque. If you take them out of the oven, they’ll continue to cook slightly, so it’s better to err on the side of caution. The side of slightly undercooked than overcooked.
How do you use fresh ingredients?What are the best ingredients to make this dish? Lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Is it worth the extra effort?
Adjust Seasoning: How do you adjustTaste the sauce before you add the shrimp and adjust the seasoning as needed. What is the best way to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your recipe?
Don’t overcrowd the pan! Make sure the shrimp are spread in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding the pan will cause the shrimp to steam instead of bake, and they won’t get that nice golden-brown color.
Add a Splash of White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the lemon butter sauce. It adds a lovely depth and complexity.
I actually tested this with a little bit of dry sherry once when I didn’t have any white wine on hand, and it was surprisingly delicious! So don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storing: Store the baked shrimp lemon butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they can become tough. I usually add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to help keep them moist.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
If you’re planning on making this ahead of time, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Then, just toss the shrimp with the sauce and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This baked shrimp lemon butter is a recipe that I truly cherish. It’s quick, easy, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. What’s not to love? Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. And if you’re a fan of easy seafood recipes, you might also enjoy my garlic butter salmon or my lemon herb baked cod. They’re both just as delicious and just as easy to make!
So go ahead, give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And if you do make it, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear your feedback! Happy cooking!
Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Large Shrimp Peeled and deveined
- 0.5 cup Butter Unsalted
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 0.25 cup Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp Parsley Chopped fresh
- 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional, for heat
- 0.25 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer.1 lb Large Shrimp
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.1 lb Large Shrimp
- Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.1 lb Large Shrimp
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the shrimp.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with rice or pasta.
