These easy-to-make lemon garlic butter shrimp are a weeknight meal dream! This simple recipe requires a handful of ingredients and is relatively fuss-free, with little cleanup to boot! It packs so much delicious flavor that you’ll be floored that it comes together in just 15 minutes.
Since this shrimp recipe uses so few ingredients, I always start with the best I can find. Fresh, sustainably harvested shrimp make a huge difference here, as do real lemon juice and freshly minced garlic. When the ingredient list is this short, each one really gets its moment to shine.
Everything comes together in about 15 minutes in a rich, zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that tastes far more special than the effort involved. It’s one of those reliable weeknight meals I turn to when I want something quick, simple, and genuinely delicious, with minimal planning.
I’ll serve it with a side of garlic toast , pasta, or rice, depending on the mood, and it pairs easily with whatever vegetables or sides I have on hand. Easy to make, easy to serve, and full of bright, buttery flavor—this is a no-brainer dinner that never disappoints.
How to serve lemon garlic butter shrimp
Shrimp are a versatile main and the sauce is, well, saucy and wonderful! There are many ways you can choose to serve lemon garlic butter shrimp and all are winners:
To start, lemon garlic butter shrimp pasta is a taste of heaven. You can also serve the shrimp over basmati rice or with toasted sourdough (which is how I tested this recipe and absolutely recommend it as a quick and delish option). It’s also delicious with lemon butter orzo . Add a simple side salad like my spring mix salad and dinner is complete!
A few notes about the ingredients
- Butter : This provides the base for the sauce and adds that rich, creamy texture.
- Garlic : Finely minced, fresh garlic for the best flavor. Jarred, minced garlic will also work. And garlic powder can work in a pinch but will produce a less intense garlic flavor.
- Large shrimp : Raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp are your best bet. Make sure to thaw them if frozen.
- Lemon juice : Freshly squeezed will add zest and balance to the rich butter.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ ⅓ cup butter
- ▢ 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ▢ 1 ½ lb large shrimp (peeled and deviened)
- ▢ 1 pinch crushed chili peppers (optional)
- ▢ 1 pinch EACH: sea salt and pepper
- ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ▢ 1 tablespoon minced cilantro (can substitute parsley)
- ▢ Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. ⅓ cup butter, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the prawn prawns, chili flakes, salt, and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook or they will turn rubbery. Stir in the lemon juice and cilantro. 1 ½ lb large shrimp, 1 pinch crushed chili peppers, 1 pinch EACH: sea salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
- Serve the prawns with lemon wedges on the side. Lemon wedges
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic , finely minced
- 1 ½ lb large shrimp , peeled and deviened
- 1 pinch crushed chili peppers , optional
- 1 pinch EACH: sea salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice , freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon minced cilantro , can substitute parsley
- Lemon wedges , for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. ⅓ cup butter, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the prawn prawns, chili flakes, salt, and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook or they will turn rubbery. Stir in the lemon juice and cilantro. 1 ½ lb large shrimp, 1 pinch crushed chili peppers, 1 pinch EACH: sea salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
- Serve the prawns with lemon wedges on the side. Lemon wedges
