Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy shrimp, tangy lemon, and rich, buttery sauce makes it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. If you love shrimp and are looking for a quick, flavorful dish with minimal effort, this Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp will become one of your go-to recipes.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation :

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking your shrimp to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Take a medium-sized baking dish and arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Ensure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice), salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4: Pour the Mixture Over the Shrimp

Pour the lemon butter mixture over the shrimp, making sure that each shrimp is thoroughly coated with the rich, buttery sauce. This step will infuse the shrimp with incredible flavor.

Step 5: Add the Lemon Slices

Arrange the thinly sliced lemon pieces over the shrimp in the baking dish. These lemon slices will add a vibrant citrusy flavor to the dish and make it look visually appealing.

Step 6: Bake the Shrimp

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be sure to keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and garnish the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the dish. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still hot.

Cooking Notes :

• For an even more intense lemon flavor, you can zest the lemon before slicing it and mix the zest into the lemon butter sauce.
• Feel free to customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes, or leave them out entirely for a mild dish.
• Be sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be used in a pinch, but make sure to fully thaw them before using.
• You can experiment with different seasonings such as smoked paprika or cumin to add a different flavor profile to the dish.

Serving Suggestions :

• Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed white rice or lemon-flavored rice to soak up the flavorful lemon butter sauce.
• With Pasta: Toss the baked shrimp and sauce with angel hair pasta or linguine for a quick and easy seafood pasta dish.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to dip into the rich lemon butter sauce—this is a great way to ensure none of the delicious sauce goes to waste!
• Grilled Vegetables: Pair this shrimp dish with grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a complete meal.

Tips :

• Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. They are done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the butter come to room temperature before melting it, and allow the shrimp to sit out for a few minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
• Meal Prep: This dish is easy to meal prep ahead of time. You can prepare the lemon butter sauce and clean the shrimp in advance, then simply assemble and bake when ready to serve.
• Add Extra Protein: If you want to bulk up the meal, you can add some cooked scallops or chunks of white fish to the baking dish along with the shrimp.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Protein: 24 grams
• Sodium: 400 mg (this can vary depending on the salt used)

FAQs :

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before baking. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and do not release too much water during the baking process.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? While the shrimp are best served fresh, you can prepare the lemon butter mixture and clean the shrimp a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when ready to cook, simply assemble and bake.

3. What other seasonings can I use? In addition to paprika, you can try using Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or Italian herbs for different flavor variations. Smoked paprika or garlic powder also work well if you’re looking to mix things up.

4. How do I know when the shrimp are done? Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery. The total cooking time is about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.

5. Can I make this dish spicier? Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes or even drizzle some hot sauce over the shrimp before serving if you like extra heat.

Conclusion :

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that will impress your family or guests. The combination of buttery, garlicky shrimp with the bright, tangy lemon creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both satisfying and light. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or bread, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, and it can easily be customized to your taste. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the deliciousness of baked shrimp in a zesty lemon butter sauce!

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Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp