Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of baked shrimp with garlic lemon butter sauce filling your kitchen. The combination of plump, juicy shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of bright citrus is pure perfection. It's the kind of dish that feels elegant yet requires minimal effort.

I first fell in love with this recipe when searching for a quick but impressive dinner option. What started as a simple weeknight experiment quickly became a family favorite, making regular appearances at our dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.

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

Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredibly simple yet flavorful dish. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just need a fuss-free meal, this baked shrimp recipe delivers every time.

First and foremost, it's ridiculously easy to make. With just one baking dish and a few minutes of prep, you can have an impressive seafood dish ready in no time. No complicated steps or special techniques required.

Not only is it simple, but it’s also bursting with flavor. The combination of buttery richness, fragrant garlic, and zesty lemon creates a perfect balance of savory and bright notes that complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Plus, it's a low-carb, high-protein option. If you're following a keto or gluten-free diet, this dish fits right in without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Finally, it's incredibly versatile. Whether you're entertaining guests, meal prepping, or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this shrimp dish works for all occasions. Pair it with pasta, crusty bread, or even a fresh salad—the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few high-quality ingredients come together to create a dish that's both satisfying and flavorful.

Shrimp is the star of the show, so quality matters. I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined for the best texture. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works well too—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Butter forms the base of the luxurious sauce. Unsalted butter is best so you can control the saltiness of the dish. If you love extra richness, feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two.

Garlic is what makes this dish truly irresistible. I use freshly minced garlic for the most robust flavor. If you’re a garlic lover, don’t be afraid to add an extra clove or two.

Lemon juice and zest bring the perfect touch of brightness to balance out the richness of the butter. Fresh lemons are key—bottled juice just doesn’t compare in flavor.

A final touch of fresh parsley and red pepper flakes adds color, freshness, and a little kick of heat. If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

How To Make This Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Making this dish couldn’t be easier. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal on the table.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. This ensures even cooking and allows the shrimp to soak up all the delicious sauce.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be lightly golden, not brown.

Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes. Pour the buttery sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece is well-coated.

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. The shrimp will be tender, juicy, and infused with all the incredible flavors of the sauce.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well and tastes just as delicious the next day.

To store, place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The buttery sauce may solidify, but it will melt beautifully when reheated.

For reheating, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of extra butter or lemon juice. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when thawed and reheated.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adjust it based on your preferences and dietary needs.

Want to make it dairy-free? Swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will still be rich and delicious, just with a slightly different texture.

If you're a fan of spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also take the heat up a notch.

Looking for a heartier dish? Serve the shrimp over pasta, rice, or quinoa to make it a complete meal. The buttery garlic sauce makes a perfect base for a simple pasta toss.

For a fun twist, try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach to the dish before baking. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, creating an even more flavorful sauce, while the spinach adds extra nutrients.

No fresh shrimp? Use scallops or chunks of white fish instead. The cooking time may vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine.

Experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh spin on the classic lemon-butter combination. Cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to get creative!

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