Description
This Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent, tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful lemon-garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and easy seafood dish that balances bright citrus notes with savory garlic and butter richness. Tossed in fresh parsley, this skillet-cooked shrimp is ideal for a light weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and become opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful browned bits. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter, cooking until the butter melts and the sauce becomes silky smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them well in the lemon garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the shrimp are heated through and fully coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp before serving to add a fresh herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit if you prefer mild.
- Serve over rice or pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they can become rubbery; remove them as soon as they turn opaque.
- For a dairy-free version, omit butter and substitute with extra olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
