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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) The main ingredients create the heart of this dish. The shrimp provide a sweet and tender base. Butter adds richness and helps to carry the garlic flavor. Fresh garlic creates a nice aroma that fills the kitchen. The lemon brings brightness and balances the dish. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped Optional ingredients can elevate your dish. Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of the shrimp and garlic. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. - Cooked rice or pasta for serving Serving this dish over cooked rice or pasta makes it filling. The buttery sauce coats the grains or noodles well. You can soak up every drop of that tangy flavor. Each bite becomes a savory delight. For the full recipe, check the details above. To make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet, start with the shrimp. You need to peel and devein them. This step may seem small, but it makes a big difference in taste and texture. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. Next, prepare the other ingredients. Mince four cloves of garlic finely. The garlic adds depth to the dish. Zest one lemon for that bright flavor. After zesting, cut the lemon in half and juice it. Lastly, chop two tablespoons of fresh parsley. This will add color and freshness when you serve. Now, let’s cook! In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and the optional red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. It should smell wonderful but not brown. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook them for two to three minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, which means they're ready. Next, reduce the heat to medium again. Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter, lemon zest, and the fresh lemon juice. Stir everything well to coat the shrimp in that rich and tangy sauce. Cook for an additional one to two minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken just a bit. It's time to serve! Drizzle the buttery sauce over the shrimp. This sauce is the star of the dish. Then, garnish with the chopped parsley. It brings a pop of color and flavor. For a complete meal, serve the shrimp over cooked rice or pasta. These sides soak up the delicious sauce nicely. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe above. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color change. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 2-3 minutes on each side. If they curl tightly, they may be overdone. For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and lemon. Mince the garlic finely for a strong taste. Zest the lemon before juicing it. This adds a bright flavor to your dish. Mixing lemon juice with the melted butter enhances the taste. Plating matters! Use a large white plate to highlight your dish. Pour the shrimp and sauce in the center. Add a side of rice or pasta for color. Fresh herbs make a big difference. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of green. You can also add lemon slices for a bright touch. Always ensure shrimp is cooked thoroughly. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Use a food thermometer if you're unsure. Practice safe food handling. Wash your hands before cooking. Clean surfaces and utensils after working with raw shrimp. This helps prevent foodborne illness. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other seafood. For example, scallops or fish work well. Each option brings a unique taste. You can also use garlic herb butter. This adds a new layer of flavor to the dish. Adding white wine to the skillet gives a richer sauce. Just a splash can elevate the taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also boost flavor. These herbs add freshness and aroma to your meal. You can make this dish gluten-free or low-carb. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. For vegetarian options, skip the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms. These swaps still keep the dish tasty and satisfying. If you want more ideas, check the Full Recipe for inspiration! To keep your leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For the best taste, reheat your shrimp dish gently. Use a skillet over low heat. This method helps keep the shrimp tender and flavorful. You can also microwave it, but cover the dish to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This avoids overcooking the shrimp. Can it be frozen? Yes, but with care. Shrimp can lose texture when thawed. For freezing, place the dish in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date. Use it within two months for the best flavor. Cooking shrimp usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes. You should cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they are done. Look for a nice curve in the shrimp; this means they are cooked perfectly. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet. They are easy to find and can save time. Just keep in mind that frozen shrimp need to be thawed before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, put them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can serve this dish with a variety of sides. Cooked rice or pasta works great. Add some fresh veggies or a salad for balance. You can also pair it with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This will make a complete meal that is both tasty and satisfying. For more ideas, check the full recipe! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about cooking and storage methods and even variations to try. This dish is not just easy; it’s tasty and flexible. You can mix in your favorite flavors or adjust it for your diet. I hope you feel ready to create this tasty meal in your kitchen! Enjoy every bite!

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Indulge in the deliciousness of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet that's ready in just 20 minutes! This easy recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a zesty lemon kick. Perfect over rice or pasta, it's a quick weeknight dinner idea that will impress.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cooked rice or pasta for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the shrimp.

          Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

            Remove from heat and toss in the chopped parsley.

              Serve immediately over cooked rice or pasta, if desired, drizzling any remaining buttery sauce over the top.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4