Bright Lemon Garlic Shrimp features plump, tender shrimp bathed in a silky butter sauce infused with fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in minutes.
This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is one of the easiest shrimp recipes you can make. From start to finish, you’re looking at just 10 minutes – the perfect amount of time for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Bonus – this seafood recipe can be served hot or cold. It’s up to you.
Shrimp Pasta
If you like lemon garlic pasta, I’ve adapted this recipe to make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Lemon garlic shrimp can also be added to Squid Ink Pasta or Lobster Pasta.
Recipe Variations
- Grilled Shrimp– If you prefer grilled shrimp, place them on a greased grill for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once. Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to watch them closely to prevent overcooking.
- Creamy Sauce– Towards the end of cooking, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese– Top off the dish with shredded parmesan cheese for added umami.
Side Dish Ideas For Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Here are a few side dish ideas that pair beautifully with lemon garlic shrimp and other Shrimp dishes: Garlic bread, rice, green salad, baked asparagus, sautéed zucchini, broccoli, green beans, brown and serve dinner rolls, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Or serve them with toothpicks and shrimp cocktail sauce as a party or holiday appetizer. Seafood appetizers are always a big hit.
Which Shrimp is Best To Use?
Raw shrimp shelled and deveined work best for this lemon garlic shrimp recipe. I prefer to use large shrimps; however, any size will work. The only adjustment required would be to the cook time.
What are the various Shrimp Sizes? Check out our free Shrimp Size Chart!
Reference the Shrimp Temperature Guide if you’re not sure of how to gauge when shrimp is cooked.
Drink Pairing Recommendations
Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Light to Medium Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Albariño
Beer: Belgium Saison, German Hefeweizen
* This recipe was originally posted in May 2016; however, it was updated in July 2025 with new photos and text.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 130kcal
Cost: $20
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Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (sautéed version only)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup optional garnish : parsley
Instructions
Baked Lemon Garlic Shrimp
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Pre-heat the oven to 400℉.
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Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or cooking spray. Set aside.
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Add the shrimp and oil to a large bowl and toss gently to coat.
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Add the garlic, and red pepper flakes and lightly toss to combine, making sure each shrimp is nicely coated with seasonings.
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Transfer the shrimp to the cookie sheet (single layer) and bake for 4-5 minutes. The shrimp should be pink and form a “c” shape.
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Remove from the oven and immediately squeeze the lemon over the shrimp.
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Add salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with parsley and enjoy immediately.
Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp
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Pre-heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add the shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping and stirring occasionally. The shrimp should be pink and form a “c” shape.
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Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and zest and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 137mg | Potassium: 308mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg
