If you’re craving an easy, stunningly delicious seafood dish that comes together in 20 minutes flat, look no further than Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce. Juicy shrimp tumble through a luscious bath of melted butter, zingy lemon, and garlicky goodness, all roasting together until perfectly tender. The flavors are bold yet bright, and that sumptuous sauce practically begs for a hunk of crusty bread. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute weeknight meal or entertaining friends, this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce will truly steal the show every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this irresistible dish is letting a few quality ingredients shine. Each component in Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce adds its own special sparkle, creating a flavor harmony that’s fresh, rich, and deeply satisfying.
- Large Shrimp (1 1/4 pounds): Using big, plump shrimp ensures juicy bites and a tender texture.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): This forms the luxurious backbone of the sauce—go for real butter to make every spoonful count.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Bold, aromatic, and utterly mouthwatering, garlic balances the richness of the butter.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): For a pop of citrus brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies that tart, floral lemony punch without extra acidity.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Give your Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce a cozy, subtle heat—totally up to you!
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds a fresh, herbal finishing touch and gorgeous color.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Rounds out and heightens all the other flavors—don’t be shy with the seasoning.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): Extra wedges let everyone adjust the zing to their own taste.
How to Make Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first: crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for perfectly baked shrimp—it cooks them quickly so they stay juicy and don’t dry out. While it preheats, gather your ingredients so you’re ready to move fast.
Step 2: Arrange the Shrimp
Spread your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single, even layer in a baking dish. This ensures they all cook at the same rate in your Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, and everyone gets plenty of flavor from that decadent buttery finish.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. This mixture is the magic behind your Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce—rich, fragrant, and full of zesty brightness.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Drizzle that glorious sauce all over the shrimp, making sure they’re well-coated for maximum flavor. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know the shrimp are ready when they turn pink, opaque, and curl gently in on themselves.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce with lots of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, and get ready for big smiles at the table.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Garnishes
A shower of chopped parsley is the most classic finishing touch, but you can also try a sprinkle of chives, a crack of fresh black pepper, or an extra scattering of lemon zest for even more brightness. Remember, a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving will wake up all those flavors in the Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce.
Side Dishes
This is one of those dreamy dishes where the sauce absolutely must not go to waste! Serve your Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce alongside a loaf of crusty bread, fluffy rice, or tender pasta—anything to soak up every last drop. A side of steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad also balances the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Dish your Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce over creamy polenta, pile it onto individual appetizer toasts, or even wrap it taco-style in warm tortillas for a breezy, Mediterranean-inspired twist. Shrimp cocktails will feel downright jealous.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce (lucky you!), let the shrimp cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two days, though the shrimp are always best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze cooked shrimp, the texture does change a bit after thawing. For best results, freeze only the shrimp (not the sauce) in a zip-top bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, gently reheat and whip up a fresh batch of garlic lemon butter sauce for maximum flavor.
Reheating
To reheat your Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, gently warm the shrimp in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until just heated through. Avoid microwaving them for too long, which can make the shrimp rubbery. Drizzle over a touch more melted butter and lemon juice to refresh the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before starting. This helps the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce adhere and ensures even cooking.
Is Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check that none of your added ingredients contain gluten if you’re serving someone with dietary restrictions.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Shrimp are done when they’re pink, opaque, and form a gentle “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tighter into an “O” and become rubbery, so keep an eye on them during baking.
Can I add extra flavors to the sauce?
Of course! Feel free to add a splash of dry white wine, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even a dash of Old Bay—Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is endlessly versatile.
Is it okay to make this recipe ahead?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the shrimp, butter mixture, and garnishes in advance. Just assemble and bake right before serving for the freshest, juiciest Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a seafood dish that’s as simple as it is luxurious, you can’t go wrong with Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to delight—so don’t hesitate to gather your favorite people and savor every zesty, buttery bite!
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Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe is a delightful and easy seafood dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a flavorful buttery sauce with hints of garlic and lemon, then baked to perfection. Serve with a side of crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Make the garlic lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour the garlic lemon butter mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake the shrimp: Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
- You can also add a splash of white wine to the sauce before baking for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
