Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

Let’s talk about the perfect combination of juicy shrimp, a buttery, lemony glaze, and a hint of garlic that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Enter Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp—a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. Imagine tender shrimp soaking up all that rich, flavorful butter and zesty lemon while baking to perfection in the oven. The result? A dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also feels like a treat you’d get at a fancy seafood restaurant.

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner, hosting a casual get-together, or planning a dinner date, this recipe is the one you’ll want to make. It’s easy, flavorful, and the kind of dish that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

Flavor-packed:

The butter and lemon combo is nothing short of magical. The richness of the butter is perfectly balanced by the fresh, citrusy kick of the lemon, while the garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor. The shrimp soak it all up, making every bite absolutely irresistible.

Simple and Quick:

This recipe is a breeze to make—no complicated steps, no mess. Just toss the shrimp in the buttery goodness, pop them in the oven, and in about 15 minutes, dinner is ready. It’s a total time-saver without skimping on taste.

Light and Refreshing:

Even though the dish is buttery, it’s still light thanks to the fresh lemon. It’s the kind of meal that’s satisfying without feeling too heavy.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

From family dinners to a casual date night, this shrimp dish is versatile and fancy enough to impress yet easy enough for a cozy evening at home. It’s the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity.

Ingredients in Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish so mouthwateringly good:

Shrimp:

• Large Shrimp: The star of the show! Go for fresh or thawed shrimp (peeled and deveined) for the best texture and flavor.

Butter:

• Unsalted Butter: It’s the base of the sauce, providing a rich, smooth texture and flavor.

Lemon:

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the dish that bright, citrusy punch that really brings it all together.
• Lemon Zest: Adds an extra burst of lemony flavor that complements the juice and rounds out the taste.

Garlic:

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the shrimp a savory undertone that pairs beautifully with the butter and lemon.

Seasonings:

• Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and a touch of color to the shrimp.
• Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning to taste, bringing everything together.

Fresh Herbs (optional):

• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Set aside while you prepare the buttery lemon sauce.

3. Make the Butter Lemon Sauce:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat, then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.

4. Toss the Shrimp:

Pour the butter lemon sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them evenly. Make sure each shrimp is covered in that delicious sauce.

5. Arrange the Shrimp:

Transfer the shrimp to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. This will help them cook evenly and absorb all the buttery goodness.

6. Bake:

Place the shrimp in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re pink and opaque. The shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley, and if you’d like, add a little extra lemon zest for even more citrusy brightness.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your buttery lemon shrimp with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. Enjoy this light, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 220mg
Sodium: 520mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 33g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 250mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

With Rice:

Pair these shrimp with a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the luscious sauce. A lemony rice pilaf or coconut rice would be especially tasty with this dish.

With Salad:

A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich shrimp beautifully. The freshness balances out the buttery sauce perfectly.

With Garlic Bread:

For some extra indulgence, serve these shrimp with warm garlic bread to dip in the buttery lemon sauce. It’s the perfect way to finish every last drop of that goodness!

Over Pasta:

For a more substantial meal, serve these shrimp over cooked pasta (linguine or spaghetti works well). The butter lemon sauce will coat the pasta perfectly for a decadent, yet light dish.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp:

Fresh shrimp will have the best texture and flavor, but if frozen shrimp is what you have, make sure to thaw them properly before using. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:

Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to check them around the 10-minute mark. They’re done when they’re opaque and pink, but they can get rubbery if cooked for too long.

Spice It Up:

If you like a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.

Double the Sauce:

If you love a lot of sauce, go ahead and double the butter lemon mixture to ensure you have plenty to drizzle over your shrimp and sides.

Make It a Complete Meal:

For a one-pan meal, you can add vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to the baking dish along with the shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes, frozen shrimp work fine! Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before using.

Q2: Can I use a different type of seafood?
A2: Absolutely! This recipe works well with scallops, lobster tails, or even white fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q3: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A3: While shrimp are best when freshly baked, you can prep the shrimp and sauce earlier in the day and store them separately in the fridge. Then, bake them just before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: While shrimp are best fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat baked shrimp?
A6: Reheat baked shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough.

Q7: Can I add more lemon to the recipe?
A7: Of course! If you love a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice and zest to the sauce. You can even squeeze fresh lemon over the shrimp before serving.

Q8: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A8: Yes, but be mindful of the salt you add to the sauce. You may want to cut back on the salt to prevent the dish from being too salty.

Q9: Can I add other herbs?
A9: Absolutely! You can experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.

Q10: Can I serve this with a side of vegetables?
A10: Yes, this shrimp pairs wonderfully with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp is the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together in no time. The buttery, lemony sauce elevates the shrimp to something extraordinary, and with minimal effort, you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s full of flavor, bright citrus notes, and a satisfying richness. This one is a keeper!

Print