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To make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spiciness) - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a tasty and bright dish. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp tastes great but is not always available. Frozen shrimp is easy to find and can be just as good. When using frozen shrimp, thaw it in the fridge overnight or under cold water. This keeps it safe and tasty. Both types work well in this recipe. Want to mix it up? You can add ingredients for more flavor. Here are some ideas: - Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro - Vegetables like spinach or bell peppers - Different spices like paprika or cayenne for extra heat These options let you customize the dish to your taste. You can check the Full Recipe for more ideas on making this dish unique. Start by getting your shrimp ready. Use a paper towel to pat the shrimp dry. This step is key. It helps to get a nice sear later. If the shrimp is wet, it will steam instead of sear. Next, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Now, let’s cook! Grab a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter very fast. Once you smell that garlic goodness, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them; they should turn pink and opaque. When they are almost done, pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir the shrimp around so they get coated in the sauce. To get that perfect sear, do not overcrowd the skillet. If you have too many shrimp at once, they won’t sear well. Cook in batches if needed. The high heat is important. It helps develop a nice crust on the shrimp. Also, let the shrimp sit for a moment in the hot skillet. This gives them a chance to sear. Once you see the pink color, flip them gently to avoid breaking. This method gives you that lovely taste and texture. For a fresh finish, stir in the parsley at the end. Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps and details. Enjoy your cooking! When making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, avoid these common mistakes: - Not drying the shrimp: Always pat the shrimp dry before cooking. Wet shrimp will steam instead of sear. - Burning the garlic: Cook garlic on medium heat. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. - Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Cook only until pink and opaque. This keeps them tender. To boost the flavor, try these spices: - Cumin: A pinch adds warmth. - Paprika: Gives a nice smoky taste. - Basil: Adds a fresh herbal note. - Lemon zest: Extra zest brightens the dish. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Serve your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp in these ways: - With rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce well. - On pasta: Toss the shrimp with spaghetti for a hearty meal. - With crusty bread: Use bread to dip into the flavorful butter sauce. - On a salad: Top mixed greens for a light option. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can make this dish even more filling by adding pasta. I love using spaghetti or linguine. Cook your pasta according to the package. While the pasta cooks, prepare the shrimp as usual. When the shrimp is ready, toss it with the drained pasta. The lemon garlic butter will coat the pasta well. This creates a delicious and quick meal. You can even add some pasta water for creaminess. Veggies bring color and nutrients to your plate. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before the shrimp. Cook them until they are tender. Then add the shrimp and follow the recipe. This way, you get a balanced meal and extra flavor. The veggies soak up the lemon garlic butter too! Want to switch things up? Use different herbs and spices. Basil or dill can replace parsley. These herbs add a fresh twist. For a spicy kick, use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. You can even add Italian seasoning for a new taste. Experimenting makes cooking fun and personal. Your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp can be new each time! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftover shrimp, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp cool down first. Cover the shrimp tightly to keep air out. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When reheating shrimp, use low heat to avoid overcooking. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a bit of butter or oil. Heat for a few minutes until warmed through. If using the microwave, place the shrimp on a plate and cover. Heat in short bursts, checking often. When freezing shrimp, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze shrimp for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. This keeps the shrimp tasty and safe. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Cooking shrimp is quick and easy. It takes about 5 to 6 minutes. You want to cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they can become tough. Keep an eye on them. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them thaw evenly. After thawing, pat them dry just like fresh shrimp. This will help you get a good sear. Lemon garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are a few options: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce well. - Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta for a filling meal. - Vegetables: Steamed or roasted veggies add color and nutrition. - Salad: A light salad can balance the richness of the shrimp. You can find the full recipe to get started on this tasty dish! In this post, we covered key ingredients for shrimp, including fresh and frozen options. We walked through steps to prepare and cook shrimp for a perfect sear. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavors. We explored fun variations, like pasta and veggies, plus best storage methods. Remember, the right approach makes all the difference. Use these tips to create tasty shrimp dishes you'll love to share. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Satisfy your taste buds with this delightful Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe! Perfect for a quick meal, this dish combines the zest of lemon, rich butter, and tender shrimp for an unforgettable taste. Discover easy steps, tips for perfect sear, and fun variations like pasta or veggies to elevate your dinner. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family or guests with this simple yet delicious dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spiciness)

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a nice sear.

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.

      Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.

        Once the shrimp are nearly cooked through, add the lemon juice and zest into the skillet. Quickly toss the shrimp to coat them in the lemony garlic butter sauce.

          Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

            Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices and parsley on top.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4