Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of garlic, lemon, and butter—especially when paired with plump, juicy shrimp. This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish made effortlessly in your own kitchen. With its bright, zesty flavors and rich, buttery finish, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe on a summer trip to the coast, where fresh seafood was a daily indulgence. One bite of buttery, garlicky shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. The best part? This dish comes together in under 20 minutes with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.

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

Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet impressive shrimp dish. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight meal or a special occasion recipe, this one checks all the boxes.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you'll have a gourmet-quality meal on the table in no time.

The flavors are unbeatable. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates the perfect balance of richness and brightness, enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

It's also healthy and light. Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, and since this dish is baked instead of fried, it's a guilt-free indulgence.

Best of all, it's versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can even toss it into salads or tacos for a fresh twist.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the best in the shrimp.

Let's start with the shrimp—the star of the dish. Use large or jumbo shrimp, preferably fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Make sure they're peeled and deveined for the best texture and ease of eating.

Butter is what makes this sauce so luxurious. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning. It melts into a rich, velvety sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.

Next, we have garlic—lots of it! Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully. Avoid pre-minced garlic, as it tends to have a milder taste.

Lemon juice and zest bring brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the butter. Fresh lemon is key here—bottled juice just won’t give you the same fresh, tangy flavor.

Finally, a touch of paprika and red pepper flakes gives the dish a subtle warmth and depth. If you like extra heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

How To Make This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Making this dish couldn't be easier! Just a few simple steps, and you're on your way to a flavor-packed meal.

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

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Remove the butter from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pour this luscious sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece gets coated.

Bake the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don't worry—this dish stores well! Here’s how to keep it fresh.

For short-term storage, place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce may solidify, but it will melt again when reheated.

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a bit of extra butter or a splash of water. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them tough.

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

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few variations to try:

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a richer texture.
• Add veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for added nutrients and color.
• Try different seasonings: Swap out paprika for Old Bay seasoning or add Italian herbs for a Mediterranean twist.
• Use a different protein: Not a fan of shrimp? This sauce pairs beautifully with scallops, chicken, or even white fish.

No matter how you make it, this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is bound to become a new favorite. Try it tonight and see for yourself!

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