Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a dish that beautifully marries the simplicity of baking with the exquisite flavors of fresh lemon and rich butter, creating a seafood delight that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, special occasions, or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a light yet flavorful experience that highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can serve a dish that looks and tastes like gourmet cooking, making any meal feel like a celebration.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a hassle-free meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of lemon and butter enhances the shrimp’s natural flavors.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, a main course, or a side dish, adaptable to various dining occasions.
- Healthy: Shrimp is a great source of protein and other nutrients, making this dish a delicious part of a balanced diet.
Ingredients Notes For Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen (and thawed) large shrimp, peeled and deveined for convenience and better flavor absorption.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness and a zesty kick to the dish.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish while adding richness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic introduces a subtle sharpness that complements the shrimp and lemon flavors.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes (optional) for heat.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it.
- Arrange Shrimp: Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, zest, and seasonings.
- Pour Sauce Over Shrimp: Evenly distribute the lemon butter sauce over the shrimp in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the baked shrimp with freshly chopped parsley and additional lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: For best results, gently reheat in the oven or on the stovetop, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Baking Lemon Butter Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on for presentation if desired)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 lemons
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings:
- Scatter the lemon slices among the shrimp. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, firm, and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.
