Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Zesty Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Succulent baked shrimp dance deliciously in a garlic lemon butter sauce that promises pure culinary magic.

Every ingredient whispers Mediterranean coastal charm and elegant simplicity.

Delicate seafood meets zesty citrus notes in a dish that sings with bright, fresh flavors.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality preparation without complicated techniques.

Each tender morsel promises a burst of tangy, rich goodness that melts on your palate.

Small details like fresh herbs and precise cooking transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Bake Simple and Gourmet

  • Boost Flavor Instantly: The garlic lemon butter sauce creates a rich, zesty coating that transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Impress Without Stress: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced chefs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Baking the shrimp in a single dish means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delectable meal with family or friends.

Ingredient Checklist for Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp that will be coated in a flavorful butter sauce and baked to perfection.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: These ingredients create a bright, zesty base that complements the delicate shrimp and adds depth to the dish.
  • Paprika, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: These spices provide a warm, slightly spicy undertone that balances the buttery sauce.
Sauce and Seasoning Base:
  • Butter: Unsalted butter that will melt and create a rich, smooth sauce for coating the shrimp.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps season the shrimp.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor to the finished dish.
  • Lemon Wedges: Provides an extra burst of citrus and allows diners to adjust the lemon flavor to their preference.

Baking Lemon Garlic Shrimp Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will create the perfect cooking environment for your succulent shrimp.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine these mouthwatering ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Grated lemon zest
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Spicy red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until the ingredients dance and blend into a tantalizing sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp Showcase

Spread your plump shrimp in a single layer across a baking dish.

Make sure they’re not overcrowded, giving each one space to soak up the delicious sauce.

Step 4: Drench and Drizzle

Pour the magical butter mixture generously over the shrimp, ensuring every morsel gets coated with flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the shrimp cook for 10-12 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful pink color and look gloriously opaque.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp and arrange some zesty lemon wedges on the side.

This final touch adds a burst of freshness and color to your dish.

Kitchen Tips for Perfect Shrimp Bake

  • Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Watch carefully during baking; shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
  • Add extra minced garlic or lemon zest for a more pronounced taste profile.
  • Replace shrimp with chicken or white fish for a versatile meal alternative.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your personal heat preference.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe Variations

  • Keto-Friendly Version: Replace butter with ghee and use extra virgin olive oil for a low-carb alternative that maintains rich flavor and dietary requirements.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil and add dairy-free margarine to create a lactose-free sauce that still delivers robust taste and creamy texture.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the butter sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired profile with enhanced aromatic complexity.
  • Spicy Cajun Transformation: Substitute paprika with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper to create a bold, zesty version with increased heat and southern-style flair.

Plating Lemon Garlic Shrimp Beautifully

  • Seafood Pasta Partner: Toss the baked shrimp over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta for a complete Mediterranean-style meal that feels luxurious and satisfying.
  • Crisp Salad Companion: Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery shrimp and add a refreshing crunch to your plate.
  • Crusty Bread Dipper: Present warm, toasted French bread or sourdough slices to soak up the delicious garlic lemon butter sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
  • Zesty Rice Base: Spread the shrimp over fragrant jasmine or herbed rice, allowing the sauce to infuse the grains with its vibrant, tangy essence.

Storing Baked Shrimp for Fresh Flavor

  • Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Warm shrimp in a preheated 275F oven for 5-7 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Check temperature to ensure even heating without overcooking.
  • If shrimp have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours or show signs of spoilage, throw them away to prevent foodborne illness.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will curl tightly into a tight “O” shape and become rubbery.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before using. Ensure they are well-drained to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.

  • What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best. They are easier to handle and provide a meaty texture that absorbs the garlic lemon butter sauce beautifully.

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Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent shrimp dance in a tantalizing garlic lemon butter sauce, promising Mediterranean coastal elegance on your dinner plate. Crisp, zesty flavors elevate this simple seafood dish, inviting you to savor each perfectly seasoned bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking dish and position the oven rack to ensure even heat distribution at 375°F (190C).
  2. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, smoky paprika, seasoning with salt and black pepper, and adding a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
  3. Carefully arrange raw shrimp in a single, uniform layer across the baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  4. Pour the aromatic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece is generously coated with the flavorful sauce.
  5. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, watching for the shrimp to transform into a beautiful pink color and become completely opaque.
  6. Remove from the oven and allow the shrimp to rest for a moment, letting the residual heat finish the cooking process.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and added freshness.
  8. Serve immediately alongside bright, tangy lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s citrusy profile.

Notes

  • Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are deveined and peeled before cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking the shrimp by checking them at the 10-minute mark, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
  • Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – use less for mild or more for a spicier kick that complements the buttery sauce.
  • Transform this dish into a low-carb or keto-friendly option by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 195 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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