Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, elegant, and flavor-packed dish perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. It features tender shrimp baked in a luxurious mixture of melted butter, fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and herbs. The result is a bright and buttery dish with layers of flavor—garlicky richness, citrusy tang, and just a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it an ideal centerpiece for a well-rounded meal.
What makes this dish truly special is how fast and simple it is to prepare without sacrificing taste or presentation. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The oven does most of the work, gently baking the shrimp until they’re tender and juicy, while the sauce forms a delicious base to drizzle over your favorite side. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner at home, this dish delivers on elegance and ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Garlic, lemon, and butter are a classic trio that enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp.
• Versatile Serving Options: Delicious over pasta, rice, or with bread for soaking up every drop of sauce.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced (about 2–3 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
• Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
• Make sure they are peeled and deveined for the best texture and appearance.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
• Stir until the mixture is fully blended and aromatic.
Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp
• Place the shrimp in a single layer in a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
• Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each one is well coated.
Step 5: Add Wine or Broth
• Pour the dry white wine or chicken broth around the shrimp in the baking dish.
• This adds moisture during baking and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Step 6: Bake the Shrimp
• Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes.
• The shrimp are done when they are pink, opaque, and curl slightly. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
• Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.
• Garnish with lemon slices for an extra burst of citrus and color.
• Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the lemony garlic butter sauce.
Tips:
• Use Fresh Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
• Add Veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini before baking for a one-pan meal.
• No Wine? No Problem!: Substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for an alcohol-free version.
• Zest First: Always zest the lemon before juicing—it’s much easier that way.
• Boost the Flavor: Add a tablespoon of capers or a few sliced olives for a briny contrast.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or butter to prevent drying out.
• Freezer: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated from frozen. If needed, freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the lemon butter sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just assemble and bake.
