When it comes to quick and delicious dinners, nothing beats shrimp baked in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in less than 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Prep time is minimal, and the oven does all the work. Healthy & Light: Shrimp is a lean protein packed with nutrients. Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon makes every bite irresistible. Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, light dinner, or served over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Butter Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Assemble the Shrimp Arrange shrimp in a single layer in your baking dish.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Pour the garlic-lemon butter mixture evenly over the shrimp.
Bake the Shrimp Bake uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Be careful not to overcook. Garnish & Serve Sprinkle with fresh parsley, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
Tips for the Best Results
Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overbake – shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
Make it a meal: Serve over linguine, couscous, or roasted vegetables. Add extra flair: A touch of white wine in the sauce brings out even more flavor.
Serving Ideas
This dish is as versatile as it is delicious:
Pair with buttery garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Serve over angel hair pasta for a restaurant-style dinner. Keep it light with a fresh green salad on the side.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s quick, effortless, and packed with mouthwatering flavors that never disappoint. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish is guaranteed to impress.