Lemon butter baked shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and rich butter creates a delicious and satisfying meal. Here’s a basic recipe for lemon butter baked shrimp:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a single layer in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Coat the Shrimp: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the shrimp, ensuring that the shrimp are evenly coated.
- Bake: Place the baking dish or skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Remove the baked shrimp from the oven and garnish with lemon slices and additional fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the lemon butter baked shrimp hot, either on its own or over cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The lemon butter sauce adds a bright and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the succulent shrimp. Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste.
