Garlic Shrimp Butter Lemon

Featured in: Fresh & Light Meals

Enjoy tender shrimp quickly sautéed in a fragrant blend of garlic, butter, and olive oil, brightened by a splash of fresh lemon juice. This Mediterranean-inspired main comes together in under twenty minutes, combining simple ingredients for full flavor. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and paired with lemon wedges to accent each bite. It’s perfect with rice, pasta, or crusty bread, and easily adapted for dairy-free diets by swapping butter for more olive oil. A great choice for a weeknight meal or a light dinner with family and friends.

Updated on Sun, 26 Oct 2025 16:55:00 GMT
Succulent garlic shrimp simplified with butter, lemon, and fresh parsley garnish.  Save
Succulent garlic shrimp simplified with butter, lemon, and fresh parsley garnish. | tastyeffect.com

Tender shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic and butter sauce, finished with a hint of lemon. This dish is perfect when you need something quick, impressive, and full of flavor.

I first made this garlic shrimp for a weeknight dinner when I needed something light but satisfying. The aroma alone had my family gathering in the kitchen before it even hit the table.

Ingredients

  • Seafood: 500 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Fats: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasonings: 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Finishing: 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed), 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prep Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Heat Oils:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to foam.
Sauté Garlic:
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Cook Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until pink and opaque.
Finish Sauce:
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes (if using), add lemon juice, and toss to coat.
Add Herbs:
Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
Serve:
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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My kids love to squeeze extra lemon over their shrimp, and we always toast bread to mop up the flavorful sauce together around the dinner table.

Required Tools

Large skillet, spatula or tongs, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter). For dairy allergies, substitute olive oil for butter. Always check ingredient labels if you have sensitivities.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 2 g, Protein: 23 g per serving

Quick garlic shrimp simplified dish, served hot with zesty lemon wedges.  Save
Quick garlic shrimp simplified dish, served hot with zesty lemon wedges. | tastyeffect.com

This shrimp is perfect for entertaining or a simple weeknight dinner. Enjoy every bite with good company.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for best texture and flavor.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Check labels for cross-contamination if sensitive.

What can I serve alongside?

Great accompaniments include rice, pasta, or crusty bread to absorb the garlic butter sauce.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Replace the butter with extra olive oil to keep the dish rich and flavorful without dairy.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely. Add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your preference, or omit them for a milder taste.

Will leftovers keep well?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Garlic Shrimp Butter Lemon

Sautéed shrimp in garlic butter with tangy lemon and parsley. Quick, flavorful main dish ready in under 20 minutes.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
8 min
Complete duration
18 min
Created by Jane Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mediterranean

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements No gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

Seafood

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatics

01 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Fats

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
02 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Finishing

01 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
03 Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Phase 01

Season Shrimp: Pat shrimp thoroughly dry using paper towels and season evenly with salt and pepper.

Phase 02

Heat Fat in Skillet: Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing butter to foam slightly.

Phase 03

Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Phase 04

Cook Shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes undisturbed, then flip and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, until shrimp are pink and opaque.

Phase 05

Add Flavorings: Stir in red pepper flakes (if using) and pour in lemon juice; toss shrimp to coat evenly.

Phase 06

Finish with Parsley: Remove skillet from heat. Mix in chopped parsley to incorporate.

Phase 07

Serve: Transfer shrimp to serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter).
  • For dairy allergies, substitute olive oil for butter.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for sensitive individuals.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 180
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 23 g