Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, zesty flavors and just the right amount of buttery richness, you’re going to love this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe. It brings together juicy, tender shrimp baked to perfection in a mouthwatering sauce that beautifully balances garlic’s punch, the freshness of lemon, and the smooth indulgence of butter. Simple yet impressive, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels both elegant and comforting—the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the succulent shrimp to the zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Large shrimp (1 1/2 lbs): Peeled and deveined shrimp provide the tender, juicy base for the dish; tails on or off is up to you.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted butter adds richness and helps carry the bright garlic and lemon flavors.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a savory, aromatic punch.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Bright and tangy lemon juice gives the dish its signature freshness.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds a concentrated burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick of heat, these are totally optional but highly recommended if you love a little spice.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp to bring out their natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds color and a hint of freshness.
- Lemon wedges: Perfect for serving so everyone can add a fresh squeeze of lemon on top.
How to Make Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first step to culinary success with this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is setting the oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the shrimp to cook through gently, preventing them from becoming rubbery or overdone. A lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet ensures easy cleanup and keeps the shrimp from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single even layer on your baking sheet. Season them generously with salt and pepper, which enhances their natural ocean flavor and balances the acidity of the lemon sauce. Even seasoning means every bite will be flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and, if you’re using them, red pepper flakes. This vibrant sauce is the heart of the dish, combining creamy, sharp, and spicy notes that will transform the shrimp as they bake.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece gets fully coated. This step infuses the shrimp with flavor before they hit the oven, ensuring every bite carries that heavenly combination you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Bake the Shrimp
Bake your shrimp in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful pink color and become opaque throughout. It’s important not to overbake; tender shrimp cook quickly, and the right timing keeps them juicy and delicious.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp to add a burst of color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges so everyone can brighten their serving with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The dish shines best when enjoyed warm.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your go-to for garnish in this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe—it adds that perfect pop of green and a subtle herbal note. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few thinly sliced green onions can add extra texture and flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. For a light meal, serve it over fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up all that luscious sauce. For something heartier, garlic roasted potatoes or a crisp Caesar salad make excellent companions. Steamed or roasted vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, also provide an ideal fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress, consider serving this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe on a platter over a bed of arugula or mixed greens. The peppery greens balance the rich sauce perfectly. Alternatively, tuck the shrimp into warm crusty bread or soft tortillas with a little extra sauce for a fun, casual shrimp taco experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer the shrimp and any remaining sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Keeping the shrimp covered in the sauce helps prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp can alter their texture slightly, so if you plan to freeze leftovers from this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe, place them in a freezer-safe container without the sauce for the best result. Freeze for up to one month and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of fresh lemon juice or butter to revive their flavor and moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can overcook and toughen the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before baking. Excess moisture can prevent the sauce from coating the shrimp properly.
Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
For the best eating experience and presentation, peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal. It makes the dish easier to enjoy and look cleaner, though if you prefer, you can leave the tails on for a nice visual touch.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes for just that reason. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference, or add a dash of hot sauce after baking.
How can I tell when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque all the way through, usually after 10 to 12 minutes at 350°F. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep an eye on them during baking.
Can I prepare the garlic lemon butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before pouring over the shrimp to maintain even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is a delightful showcase of how simple ingredients combine to create something unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. So grab your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels like a celebration on every plate.
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Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful seafood recipe featuring large shrimp coated in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, then baked to tender perfection. It’s an easy and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the shrimp: Spread the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season them evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Make the garlic lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Coat the shrimp: Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece is well-coated to absorb the delicious sauce during baking.
- Bake the shrimp: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, are opaque, and cooked through. Shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with lemon wedges for extra brightness and tang.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp; if frozen, thaw completely before cooking for even baking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta to make it a complete meal.
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture; watch closely during baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
