Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a quick, elegant seafood dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce, then baked to tender perfection. The result is a bright, savory entrée that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a handful of ingredients and a short cook time, this dish is a go-to for anyone who loves seafood with a zesty twist. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1¼ pounds extra-large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Optional Add-ons:
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup white wine (for added depth)
- 1 tablespoon capers (for a briny kick)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to coat each piece thoroughly. - Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown. Stir in the lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can also add lemon zest or a splash of white wine at this stage. - Coat the Shrimp:
Pour the warm lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss and coat the shrimp in the sauce. Spread them back into a single layer. - Bake the Shrimp:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 9–13 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Be careful not to overbake—shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shrimp with chopped parsley. Garnish with lemon slices for a fresh, citrusy finish. Serve immediately, spooning the buttery sauce over the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions:
- With carbs: Serve over jasmine rice, angel hair pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- With veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad.
- With bread: Offer crusty baguette slices or garlic bread to mop up the sauce.
Tips & Variations:
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen shrimp work well too.
- Add crunch by topping with toasted panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese into the sauce.
- Spice it up with a dash of Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika.
This Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is proof that a few simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without the stress. Want to turn this into a one-pan meal with veggies or pasta baked right in? I’ve got ideas for that too. 🍋🦐✨ Let’s keep the flavor flowing!