If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed seafood dinner that feels like a special treat but comes together in minutes, Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is your answer. This dish is a personal favorite for weeknights and dinner parties alike, featuring jumbo shrimp bathed in a zesty, garlicky lemon butter sauce that bakes up beautifully. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste delivers on every promise. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just dipping your toes in, this recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality meal right from your own oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is in its simplicity. Every ingredient has a purpose, coming together to create a symphony of bright, buttery, and savory flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Large shrimp (1 1/2 pounds): Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and even cooking; they’re the star of the show.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): This creates the rich, silky base for the sauce, perfectly coating every shrimp.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and punchy flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Enhances the lemony fragrance and gives a pop of citrus.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick of heat that balances the flavors.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden color to the shrimp.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t be shy!
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and herby freshness.
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving): Perfect for squeezing over just before digging in.
How to Make Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly, staying juicy and tender. Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant mixture is what makes Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce so irresistible; don’t skip the zest, as it adds a layer of flavor that really shines through after baking.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that luscious sauce. Pour the garlic lemon butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bake the Shrimp
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque—just be careful not to overbake, as shrimp can go from juicy to rubbery in a flash. The sauce will be bubbling and fragrant, begging to be soaked up with bread or spooned over rice.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the shrimp come out of the oven, sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and a touch of herbal freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra hit of citrusy brightness—trust me, it’s the perfect finishing touch for your Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds not only vibrant color but also a lively, herby note that elevates the whole dish. Lemon wedges are another must—they let everyone add a final squeeze of zingy freshness right before they dig in. For a little extra flair, try a dusting of flaky sea salt or a touch more paprika on top.
Side Dishes
Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Fluffy rice, tender pasta, or even creamy mashed potatoes soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce. Crusty bread is a classic for scooping up all the garlicky, lemony goodness left in the pan. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the shrimp family-style in a beautiful baking dish right at the table. For a fun appetizer, thread the shrimp onto skewers before baking. Or, toss them with al dente pasta and a bit of reserved sauce for a quick shrimp scampi. However you serve it, this dish always brings a wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce (lucky you!), let the shrimp cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—the sooner you enjoy them, the better they’ll taste.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen after baking, their texture is best when freshly made. If you need to freeze, place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough if reheated too long.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking. This prevents excess water from diluting the flavorful sauce and ensures the shrimp roast beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter or a quality olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a delicious, garlicky, and lemony shrimp dish.
What size shrimp work best?
Large shrimp (often labeled 21-25 count per pound) are ideal because they stay juicy and are easy to arrange in a single layer. Smaller shrimp will cook even faster, so keep an eye on the timing.
Can I prepare Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce ahead of time?
You can whisk together the sauce and prep the shrimp a few hours ahead—just keep them separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, combine and bake as directed for the freshest taste and texture.
What’s the best way to serve this to a crowd?
For entertaining, double the recipe and use a large baking sheet to easily feed a group. Serve buffet-style with plenty of bread, rice, or pasta so guests can help themselves and enjoy all that irresistible sauce.
Final Thoughts
Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is the kind of recipe that always wins hearts and never leaves leftovers. It’s quick, full of vibrant flavor, and endlessly versatile. If you’ve been craving a simple yet show-stopping seafood meal, this is your sign to give it a try—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
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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 is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and a hint of spice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Make the lemon butter sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Arrange the shrimp. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for proper cooking.
- Coat shrimp with sauce. Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure all shrimp are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake the shrimp. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Add final touches and serve. Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges to enhance the citrus flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the lemon butter sauce for 15 minutes before baking.
- Serve the baked shrimp over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 oz shrimp
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
