If you're craving a dish that bursts with flavor and can be prepared in just 20 minutes, look no further than this Lemon Herb Garlic Butter Shrimp! This delightful seafood recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, brightened by a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a meal that's as quick to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and prevents steaming.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides of the shrimp.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to become slightly foamy but not browned.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even cooking and proper caramelization.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on the first side until they turn pink and start to curl slightly.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until they are completely opaque and have a light golden color.
- Pour fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and swirl the pan to combine the juices with the butter and garlic.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp.
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter, making sure to drizzle all the remaining butter and pan juices over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Perfect Browning: Before cooking, make sure to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden color and preventing the shrimp from steaming.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Season the shrimp evenly on all sides to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Control the Heat: Keep the butter over medium-high heat until it’s slightly foamy but not browned. This ensures the garlic infuses the butter without burning, which can lead to a bitter taste.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When adding shrimp to the skillet, make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and caramelization, giving you that perfect texture.
- Timing is Key: Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on them; they cook quickly!
- Finish with Freshness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish beautifully. Don’t forget to garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while it’s hot and the butter is still luscious. Pair it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 302kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 220mg
