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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste When making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, each ingredient plays a key role. Fresh shrimp should be plump and firm. The butter gives a rich taste, while garlic adds depth. Lemon brightens the dish and balances the flavors. For those who like heat, red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Fresh parsley not only looks good but also adds a hint of freshness. You can swap unsalted butter for olive oil or ghee if needed. If you're out of garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. For shrimp, you can use medium or small shrimp. If you want to add more flavor, try fresh herbs like dill or basil. Other garnishes like grated Parmesan or chopped nuts can also enhance the meal. To choose fresh shrimp, look for shells that are shiny and smell like the ocean. Avoid shrimp that smell sour or have dark spots. Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright taste of fresh juice. A zester helps you get the perfect zest without the bitter white pith. To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Before cooking shrimp, rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps to keep the shrimp firm while cooking. For tools, grab a large skillet, spatula, and a lemon juicer. You will also want measuring spoons. Now, let’s cook. First, place the skillet on medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Watch for it to froth. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. Increase the heat to medium-high. Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring. When they turn pink, flip them over. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add lemon zest to the skillet. Let the shrimp cook for another 1-2 minutes. They should be opaque and fully cooked. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley for a touch of color. For serving, think about side dishes that pair well. Crusty bread is great for dipping in the sauce. Fluffy rice or pasta works too. To make your dish look nice, use a large white platter. Drizzle the buttery garlic sauce over the shrimp. Add some extra lemon slices and parsley on top for color. This adds a nice touch and makes it look appealing. To get a great sear on the shrimp, use high heat. Heat the pan until hot before adding the butter. This helps the shrimp cook quickly and evenly. When you add the shrimp, leave space between them. This allows them to brown nicely instead of steaming. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color closely. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per side. If they curl up tightly, they may be overdone. Remove them from heat as soon as they are cooked through. Add more flavor to your dish by mixing in fresh herbs. Basil or cilantro can give a nice twist. You can also try adding a splash of white wine or a dash of soy sauce. These additions bring a deeper taste. Pair your shrimp with a side of crusty bread or fluffy rice. These sides soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also serve a fresh salad to balance the meal. One common mistake is cooking shrimp too long. If they sit in the pan too long, they become tough and rubbery. Always keep an eye on the cooking time. Look for signs of undercooked shrimp. They will be grey or translucent. Overcooked shrimp will look white and curled. If you see these signs, adjust your cooking time next time. {{image_2}} You can easily make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp gluten-free by using gluten-free butter. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter. This keeps the dish rich without the dairy. If you want to lower sodium, use less salt and choose unsalted butter. This way, you control the flavor while keeping it healthy. Adding herbs can change the taste of this dish. Try fresh basil, thyme, or even dill for a new twist. Each herb brings its own unique flavor. You can also explore different spices. Paprika or cumin can add warmth. For a zesty change, swap lemon for lime or orange juice. Each citrus option brightens the dish in a fun way. Do you want to pair your shrimp with pasta or rice? Both options taste great! Shrimp with pasta gives a classic feel. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Shrimp with rice absorbs all the tasty sauce. It’s filling and satisfying. You can also add vegetables to boost nutrition. Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. These add color and crunch to your meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You should refrigerate the leftovers right away. They stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you wait longer, the shrimp may lose its taste and texture. When it comes to reheating, you want to keep the shrimp juicy. The best way is to use the stovetop. Heat a pan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of butter or a bit of lemon juice. This keeps the flavor strong. Stir the shrimp often until heated through. If you use a microwave, go slow. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time. This way, you avoid overcooking. Stir in between heating times to help it warm evenly. Yes, you can freeze Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp! To do this, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After that, follow the reheating instructions above. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal even weeks later! You can tell shrimp are cooked when they change color. They should turn pink and curl slightly. The flesh should be opaque and firm. Avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can turn tough. Cook them just until they reach this stage for the best texture. Yes, you can prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead of time. Cook it fully and store it in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. This dish holds up well, but the shrimp may lose some freshness if stored too long. For sides, consider serving rice or pasta to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad also pairs well. For drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade complements the dish nicely. You can create a full meal by adding crusty bread for dipping in the buttery sauce. This blog post offers a complete guide to preparing Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. We covered ingredients, preparation, cooking, and storage tips. Remember to choose fresh shrimp and avoid common mistakes to ensure success. You can adjust flavors and make variations for dietary needs. With this knowledge, you'll impress everyone at your table. Embrace the joy of cooking this dish and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with this easy and quick recipe! Made with fresh shrimp, luscious butter, zesty lemon, and a hint of garlic, this dish is perfect for any occasion. In just 15 minutes, you can create a stunning meal that impresses. Ready to savor this delicious seafood dish? Click through to explore the complete recipe and presentation tips for a memorable dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to froth.

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

      Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

        Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over.

          Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the shrimp is cooked through and opaque.

            Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp for garnish.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp on a large white platter, drizzled with the buttery garlic sauce, and garnish with extra lemon slices and parsley for a burst of color. Pair with crusty bread or serve over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to soak up the flavors.