Lemon Garlic butter shrimp recipe is a very easy and quick seafood recipe. This butter garlic shrimp is a special weeknight dinner. A perfect, delicious 20-minute dinner recipe of shrimp with garlic butter sauce. It consists of juicy shrimp mixed with a lovely mixture of melted butter, enough of garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Check how to make quick garlic butter shrimp at home.

This shrimp with lemon garlic butter sauce is very quick, in just 20 minutes. It goes well during parties and weekend dinners.
It's a simple lemon garlic butter shrimp dish that's filled with flavor. This butter garlic dish is the definition of comfort food that doesn’t take hours to prepare.
The garlic butter shrimp is mostly prepared in the stir-fry pan. The 20 minute butter garlic shrimp recipe is very delicious with the garlic butter sauce.
I prepare this garlic & butter shrimp occasionally, mostly during parties. My friends and kids enjoy this shrimp lemon butter garlic dish as starters.
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Best Tips To Make Shrimp Lemon Butter Garlic
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for juicier, more flavorful bites, and better texture
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to help them sear instead of steam.
- Marinate for Better Flavor: Let the shrimp marinate briefly (10-15 minutes) in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before cooking for an extra flavor punch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh, tangy flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are common mistakes to avoid while preparing shrimp butter lemon garlic:
- Overcooking the shrimp makes them tough and rubbery.
- Using wet shrimp leads to a watery and bland sauce.
- Browning the garlic can make the dish bitter.
- Skipping the lemon zest results in a less vibrant flavor.
- Adding all the butter at once can cause the sauce to separate.
- Not seasoning the shrimp before cooking dulls the overall taste.
- Using low heat may steam the shrimp instead of searing them.
Health Benefits of Shrimp
- Shrimp are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:
- High in protein, low in calories
- Rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health
- Low in fat and carbohydrates, making it ideal for keto and paleo diets
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- Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
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Which Shrimp is Best To Use?
For lemon garlic butter shrimp, large or jumbo shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count) are the best choice as they’re meaty, flavorful, and cook evenly.
Fresh shrimp offer the best texture, but frozen shrimp work well if properly thawed. Peeled and deveined shrimp are convenient, while tail-on varieties add a nice presentation.
Wild-caught shrimp are preferred for their superior taste and quality.
Ingredients
The shrimp with garlic butter sauce recipe uses simple ingredients for preparation. You can change the ingredients in the dish according to your taste. Check the ingredients:

- large shrimps, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
- unsalted butter, divided
- olive oil
- cloves garlic, finely minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make Shrimp Lemon Butter Garlic Recipe
- Prepare the Shrimp: To make Garlic Butter Shrimp, and if you use frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sear perfectly and soak up the buttery lemon-garlic sauce better.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
- Add Lemon and Finish the Sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until it melts into a silky sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the shrimp with fresh chopped parsley and serve the Shrimp Butter Lemon Garlic immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
It's an easy and quick in 20 minutes lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe made with simple ingredients. The shrimp lemon butter garlic goes well at dinner.
How to Store and Reheat the Garlic Butter Shrimp
The lemon butter garlic shrimp can be stored and reheated before being served in the following ways:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Freezing: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 1 month. Reheat gently from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
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What Do You Serve With Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp
Butter garlic shrimp is mostly served and goes well with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. It also complements well with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus.

F.A.Qs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 1-2 minutes just to warm it through.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free! Just pair it with gluten-free sides.
3. Can I bake the shrimp instead?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes with the garlic butter mixture.
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4. How spicy is it?
It’s mild by default. Add red pepper flakes for heat to your liking.
5. What type of shrimp is best?
Large or jumbo shrimp (16/20 count) are perfect for even cooking and juicy bites.
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight bag for up to 1 month.
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Equipment For Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Large skillet or frying pan – for cooking the shrimp evenly
- Knife – for chopping garlic, lemon, and parsley
- Cutting board – for preparing garlic and herbs
- Tongs or spatula – to flip and stir the shrimp
- Citrus juicer or reamer – to extract fresh lemon juice

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe (20 minutes) – Debz Delicious
Ingredients
- 1 lb or 450 grams large shrimps peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges, for serving
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Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: For garlic butter lemon shrimp, if you are using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp sear perfectly and soak up the buttery lemon-garlic sauce better.
- Sauté the Garlic: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
- Add Lemon and Finish the Sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until it melts into a silky sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the shrimp with fresh chopped parsley and serve the butter garlic shrimp immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Double the sauce if you’re serving it over pasta or rice.