Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

I can’t express how grateful I am that you’re here! It always excites me to share simple, flavorful recipes that can brighten up any meal. And this one, let me tell you, is a game-changer. If you’re looking for something quick yet packed with flavor, Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is going to be your new go-to dish. It’s light, zesty, and incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, the smell when this is in the oven? Pure heaven!

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for you. So, stick around, subscribe to my newsletter, and let’s dive right into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a sauce that’s bright, rich, and perfect for shrimp.
Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, this meal is ready in a flash!
Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread—anything to soak up that delicious lemon-butter sauce!
Healthy: Shrimp is a lean protein, and this recipe is a great low-carb option if you’re watching your intake.

Taste and Benefits of Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Imagine this: tender shrimp bathed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice. The shrimp absorb the flavors while baking, resulting in juicy bites that melt in your mouth. The lemon brings a bright, fresh contrast to the rich butter, and the paprika adds just the right touch of smokiness. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and lightly spicy.

The best part? It’s incredibly nutritious! Shrimp is low in calories, high in protein, and packed with nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. Plus, you’re getting healthy fats from the butter, and a good dose of antioxidants from the garlic and parsley.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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 for a kick!)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

Baking dish
Small bowl (for mixing the lemon butter)
Measuring spoons
Sharp knife for slicing the lemon
Oven mitts (you don’t want to forget these when that shrimp smells this good!)

Add-Ons and Substitutions

No red pepper flakes? No problem. You can skip it, or swap in a pinch of cayenne for a different kind of heat.
Feeling fancy? Add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture for a more complex flavor.
Herb swap: If parsley isn’t your thing, try fresh cilantro or basil for a fresh twist.
Shrimp size: You can use smaller shrimp—just reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

1. Preheat the Oven:

First things first, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot so that the shrimp bake evenly and quickly.

2. Prep the Shrimp:

In a baking dish, arrange your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Trust me, you want them evenly spread out to ensure they all soak up that amazing lemon-butter goodness.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes (if you’re into a little heat), salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well blended. Pour this flavorful mixture over the shrimp, making sure each one gets a good coating.

4. Add Lemon Slices:

Place your thinly sliced lemon rounds over the shrimp in the baking dish. This not only looks beautiful but also enhances the fresh lemony taste as it bakes.

5. Bake the Shrimp:

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the shrimp should turn pink and opaque, which means they’re perfectly cooked.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once done, take the shrimp out and sprinkle with fresh parsley. This final touch adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, while that lemon-butter sauce is still warm and inviting.

What to Serve With Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

This shrimp is best enjoyed with something that can soak up all that zesty sauce. Here are a few ideas:

Fluffy white rice or quinoa for a light base.
Toss with pasta for a lemony shrimp scampi.
Crusty bread to dip into the buttery sauce (highly recommended!).
For a healthier twist, serve with zoodles or a green salad.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp can become rubbery if overbaked, so be sure to remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Use fresh garlic: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
Customize the spice level: If you’re not a fan of heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes. Or, go wild and add a little extra for a spicier kick!

How to Store Leftovers

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the shrimp in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezer: While shrimp freezes well, the texture of the lemon-butter sauce might change. If you do freeze, use within 2 months and reheat slowly in a pan with a little extra butter.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before baking for even cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the lemon-butter sauce and peel the shrimp ahead of time for quicker assembly!

What if I don’t have paprika?
You can use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or leave it out entirely. The shrimp will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp, a recipe that’s anything but boring! With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a weekend gathering with friends. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with it as much as I have.

If you do make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review or share a photo on Pinterest, and let’s inspire others to give it a shot. And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out my other seafood favorites, like: