Evening Bliss

Juicy Pan-Seared Shrimp in Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

By Callie:

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

pan-seared shrimp in lemon butter garlic sauce

Shrimp lovers, get ready for a dish that will quickly become a favorite. This juicy pan-seared shrimp in a lemon butter garlic sauce is rich, buttery, and loaded with flavor. The shrimp are cooked to perfection in a garlicky, citrus-infused sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or fresh crusty bread.

The best part? This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving restaurant-quality seafood at home, this recipe delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

With only a few ingredients and 15 minutes of cooking time, this is one of the fastest and most delicious shrimp recipes you’ll ever make.

Incredible Flavor

The combination of buttery garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of spice creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly coats each shrimp.

Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing

Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables. It works as a light main course or a flavorful appetizer for guests.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

  • 1 pound medium shrimp (41-50 count) – peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic – minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional for heat
  • Juice of ½ lemon – about 1 tablespoon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley – optional for garnish

Notes on Quality

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible, but frozen shrimp work well too. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for bright, tangy flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice.
  • If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two for even more depth.

Possible Substitutions

  • Unsalted butter works too—just add an extra pinch of salt.
  • If you prefer milder heat, skip the red pepper flakes. For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne.
  • Swap parsley for cilantro for a fresh twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Prepare the Shrimp
    Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a perfect sear.
  • Season the Shrimp
    Mix the salt, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the shrimp.
  • Melt the Butter & Sauté the Garlic
    Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted but not browned, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
pan-seared shrimp in lemon butter garlic sauce
  • Sear the Shrimp
    Place the shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until pink and opaque.
  • Add Lemon Juice & Garnish
    Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and remove them from the pan. Garnish with minced parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  • Serve Immediately
    Enjoy this shrimp hot and fresh, served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary for the best sear.
  • Use a hot skillet – this helps create a golden-brown crust on the shrimp.
  • Stir the garlic frequently to prevent burning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the shrimp – they cook fast and can turn rubbery if left too long. Remove them as soon as they turn pink.
  • Skipping the pat dry step – moisture prevents a good sear.

Time-Saving Tips

  • Use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to cut down on prep time.
  • Mince the garlic ahead of time or use a garlic press for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

  • Pasta: Toss the shrimp with spaghetti or linguine for a quick seafood pasta.
  • Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
  • Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a fresh side salad.

Beverage Pairings

  • White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the citrusy butter sauce.
  • Cocktails: A light, refreshing margarita or a gin and tonic pairs beautifully.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon keeps it light and refreshing.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

  • Store shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Avoid freezing cooked shrimp, as it can become rubbery when reheated.

Reheating Methods

  • Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a small pat of butter.
  • Microwave: Heat in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?

Lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh lemon is best for flavor.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

  • Make it keto-friendly by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Make it dairy-free by replacing butter with olive oil.

Flavor Twists

  • Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving.
  • Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Replace the paprika with Cajun seasoning for extra boldness.
  • Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweet-savory kick.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

  • Add fresh herbs like basil for a summery twist.
  • Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes for a cozy fall meal.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more quick and delicious dinner ideas? Try these:

Let’s Connect!

Love this recipe? Follow along on Pinterest for more delicious meal ideas!
Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Shrimp – Quick & Flavorful!
Garlic Butter Shrimp – Quick & Flavorful!
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pan-seared shrimp in lemon butter garlic sauce

Juicy Pan-Seared Shrimp in Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce


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  • Author: Callie
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This juicy pan-seared shrimp in lemon butter garlic sauce is a quick, buttery, and flavor-packed dish perfect for any meal. The shrimp are seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky citrus sauce, making them an excellent choice for a light main course or an easy appetizer. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a simple yet impressive seafood recipe.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium-sized shrimp (4150 count), peeled & deveined
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)

 

  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the shrimp by patting them dry with a paper towel. This ensures a perfect sear.
  • Season the shrimp by combining salt, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Sprinkle over both sides of the shrimp.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once melted but not browned, add minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Sear the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

 

  • Add lemon juice just before removing the shrimp from the pan. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • For the best texture, avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking the shrimp.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the sauce’s flavor.

 

  • Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Pan-seared
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
  • Calories: 215 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.1g
  • Sodium: 487mg
  • Fat: 12.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0.2g
  • Protein: 24.6g
  • Cholesterol: 253mg

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