Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a garlic lemon butter sauce and baked to perfection. This dish is not only bursting with bright, fresh flavors but also comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe while searching for an effortless yet elegant seafood dish to serve at a family gathering. It quickly became a household favorite, thanks to its simple ingredients, minimal prep, and incredible taste.

Why You'll Love This Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to shrimp recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of garlicky richness, zesty citrus, and buttery goodness, all baked together for an irresistible meal.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.

Second, this recipe is light yet satisfying. The combination of fresh lemon juice, butter, and shrimp creates a beautifully balanced dish that's both indulgent and refreshing.

It’s also versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also toss in some veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for added texture and color.

Finally, it’s healthy and low-carb. Shrimp is packed with lean protein and essential nutrients, and this dish keeps things light without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish shine.

Shrimp – Use large or extra-large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) for the best texture and flavor. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works too—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds bold, aromatic depth to the sauce. Avoid pre-minced garlic, as it can have a slightly bitter aftertaste.

Butter – This is the heart of the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the dish.

Lemon Juice & Zest – Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors, while the zest adds an extra punch of citrusy goodness. Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same fresh flavor.

Red Pepper Flakes – Just a pinch adds a subtle heat that complements the butter and garlic beautifully. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Parsley – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried, but fresh is always best.

A large baking dish is essential for even cooking, ensuring the shrimp cook perfectly and absorb all the flavors of the garlic lemon butter sauce.

How To Make This Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Making this dish is as easy as mixing, arranging, and baking. The oven does most of the work, leaving you with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining them if necessary. If using frozen shrimp, be sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then add the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. The sauce at the bottom of the dish is liquid gold, so don’t forget to drizzle it over your shrimp before serving.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), you can store them safely and easily.

Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to include some of the garlic butter sauce to keep them moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just note that shrimp tend to lose some of their texture after freezing.

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a bit of extra butter. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways you can customize it to your liking.

Make it spicy – If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

Add more citrus – For a bolder lemon flavor, squeeze extra fresh lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving.

Switch up the herbs – While parsley is classic, you can swap it for fresh cilantro, basil, or chives for a different herbal twist.

Try different proteins – Not a fan of shrimp? This recipe works beautifully with scallops, chunks of white fish, or even chicken tenders.

Go dairy-free – Substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make this dish dairy-free.

No matter how you make it, this Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it with your favorite side dish and enjoy a meal that’s effortless, elegant, and absolutely delicious.

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