This Lemon Butter Shrimp recipe is the perfect balance of tangy, buttery goodness and succulent shrimp. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that can be made in just 20 minutes—perfect for a quick dinner or impressing guests! The best part? It’s baked all in one pan for minimal cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight meal or special occasion dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen), peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 lemons, thinly sliced
- 1 packet (0.7 oz.) Italian seasoning (you can use store-bought or homemade)
Optional Garnishes/Extras:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat)
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious lemon butter sauce!
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to warm up while you prep everything.
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup super easy, and helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan.
- Layer the Lemons:
- Arrange the lemon slices in a single, even layer on the bottom of your baking sheet. The lemon slices not only add flavor, but they also act as a base for the shrimp to sit on, infusing them with extra lemony goodness during baking.
- Place the Shrimp:
- Lay the peeled and deveined shrimp on top of the lemon slices in a single layer. Make sure the shrimp aren’t overlapping too much so they cook evenly.
- Add the Butter:
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the shrimp. This will help keep the shrimp tender and juicy, while adding that irresistible buttery flavor.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the shrimp and lemons. This blend of herbs will add a nice, savory balance to the lemon’s acidity. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste at this point if desired.
- Bake the Shrimp:
- Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when fully cooked, so be sure to check them around the 13-minute mark to avoid overcooking. (Shrimp cook quickly, and you want them tender and juicy!)
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve over rice, toss with pasta, or enjoy with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that amazing lemon butter sauce!
Pro Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them while they bake. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so they should only be in the oven until they are just pink and opaque.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper on top of the shrimp before baking.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to get creative with the seasoning! If you like garlic, add a bit of garlic powder or minced garlic to the melted butter. You could also use a bit of lemon zest for an extra citrus punch.
- Frozen Shrimp? No problem! If you’re using frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using them in the recipe. This prevents extra moisture from making the dish too watery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Super Simple: Only 4 main ingredients and minimal prep make this dish a breeze to prepare. It’s perfect for a busy night!
- Flavorful & Fresh: The combination of buttery shrimp and zesty lemon is fresh, light, and packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, garlicky, or more citrusy, you can easily tweak the recipe to fit your tastes.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a great option for everyone. The shrimp cooks quickly and is a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve it with your favorite side and enjoy a full meal.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: This lemon butter shrimp pairs well with many sides! Consider serving it over rice, with linguine pasta, or with a side of roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious with garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the shrimp.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While shrimp is best enjoyed freshly cooked, you can prep everything ahead of time by assembling the dish in the baking pan, covering it with plastic wrap, and storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the instructions!
Final Thoughts:
This Lemon Butter Shrimp is a simple, elegant dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. The flavors are fresh, light, and perfectly balanced, and the entire dish comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe has you covered. Enjoy the tangy, buttery goodness with every bite! 🍤🍋