Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe

I first tried this shrimp recipe when I was desperate for a quick dinner fix and let me tell you, the garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes totally changed the game for my taste buds.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: These little guys are high in protein and super lean, making them a tasty, nutritious choice.
• Unsalted butter: It adds a rich, creamy flavor while moistening the dish, though use in moderation.
• Garlic: Offers a punchy, savory kick along with some beneficial compounds; it really boosts the flavor.
• Lemon juice and zest: Give a bright, sour tang and loads of vitamin C to lift the taste.
• Red pepper flakes: They bring a small amount of heat to enliven every bite.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note that rounds out the flavors perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. In a big bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.

3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and stir until they are all well coated with the sauce.

4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.

5. Pour any extra sauce over the shrimp so none of that yummy flavor is lost.

6. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

7. Check one shrimp to make sure it’s no longer translucent in the middle.

8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

9. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley if you want a pop of color.

10. Serve immediately with your favorite side, like crusty bread or a light salad.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven for baking shrimp at 400°F
2. A big mixing bowl for coating the shrimp
3. Measuring spoons for the spices and lemon juice
4. Knife for mincing garlic and chopping parsley
5. Lemon zester to get the zest out
6. Baking dish to arrange the shrimp in a single layer
7. Spoon or spatula for stirring the shrimp in the sauce

FAQ

• Q: How long should I bake the shrimp?
  A: Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them because overcooking makes them tough.
• Q: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh ones?
  A: Yes, just make sure you defrost them completely and pat them dry before you start so they cook evenly.
• Q: Can I substitute garlic powder for the minced garlic?
  A: You can, but the flavor won’t be as strong. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if you need to replace the 3 cloves.
• Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?
  A: No problem, you can lower or even omit the red pepper flakes if you find them too spicy.
• Q: Is it fine to add a bit more lemon juice if I love a tangy flavor?
  A: Absolutely, feel free to add a little extra lemon juice to suit your taste, but taste as you go so it doesn’t overpower the dish.

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Try using coconut oil in place of unsalted butter – about 4 tbsp. Its slight coconut flavor can add a fun twist, though it might change the taste a bit.
• Instead of red pepper flakes, you might use a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just be careful with the amount as it can be spicier than you expect.
• If you’re out of lemon juice, fresh lime juice works pretty well as a substitute. The tangy flavor is a bit different but still really tasty.
• You can swap fresh parsley with chopped basil or dill. Either one adds a nice herbal touch, even if it’s not exactly the same.
• If you dont have fresh garlic, try using garlic-infused olive oil when cooking the shrimp. Its a good alternative though it might change the flavor profile slightly.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and get your ingredients ready.
2. In a big bowl, mix together 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, the juice of one lemon (about 3 tbsp), the zest of that same lemon, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt (or more if needed), 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
3. Toss in 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined) into your bowl and stir well so they are all coated in that garlicky, lemony butter sauce.
4. Spread the shrimp out in a single layer in a baking dish so they all get equal heat. Pour any extra sauce over the shrimp so none of that yummy flavor goes to waste.
5. Bake in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are no longer looking translucent in the middle.
6. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it chill for a couple of minutes before serving. Top with a little extra chopped parsley if you want to make it look fancier. Serve with your favorite side, like crusty bread or a light salad.

Pro Tips:
• If you have time, let the shrimp marinate in the butter mixture for 10-15 minutes before baking to boost the flavor even more.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the baking dish so every shrimp cooks evenly; too many at once can lead to uneven cooking.
• Keep a close eye on the shrimp during the last few minutes of baking; they cook fast and can become rubbery if overdone.