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For Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp, you need the following core ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving These ingredients are key to creating a tasty dish. The shrimp should be fresh and large for the best texture. Unsalted butter adds richness, while fresh garlic gives strong flavor. Use a ripe lemon for zest and juice. Quality ingredients make a big difference in taste. To elevate your dish, consider these optional garnishes: - Additional chopped parsley for color - Grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch - Extra red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh basil for a unique twist Choose garnishes that enhance the dish's flavor. For example, parsley adds freshness, while cheese gives a creamy note. Think about what flavors you enjoy and how they pair with shrimp. These small touches can make your meal look and taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp, start with fresh shrimp. You need to peel and devein them first. This step helps keep the shrimp clean and tasty. After that, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them sear well instead of steaming. Next, sprinkle salt and black pepper on the shrimp. This simple seasoning makes a big difference in taste. Here are some tips to ensure your shrimp are well-seasoned: - Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. - Season evenly on both sides. - Let the shrimp sit for a few minutes after seasoning. Now, let's cook! Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter pieces and let them melt. When the butter is fully melted, add the minced garlic. Stir this for about a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can taste bitter. Next, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and lemon zest. Stir this mix well to combine all the flavors. Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque when ready. This means they are cooked perfectly. Once the shrimp are done, pour in the fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the zesty sauce. Let it cook for another minute to blend the flavors. Serve Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp with a side of rice or pasta. This pairs well and soaks up the delicious sauce. You can also have it with a fresh salad for a lighter option. For a beautiful presentation, dish the shrimp in shallow bowls. Drizzle extra garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a slice of lemon on each plate. This adds color and makes the dish appealing. Enjoy your tasty meal! For the complete details on making this dish, refer to the Full Recipe. To get the best shrimp texture, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell like the ocean. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely and not steam. Season them lightly with salt and pepper before cooking. When you cook shrimp, watch the heat. Use medium to medium-high heat. This way, they cook evenly and don’t become tough. Cook them for only 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If they stay translucent, they need more time. A common mistake is to overcook shrimp. They cook fast, so keep an eye on them. Once they start curling, they are almost done. Remove them from the heat right away to avoid rubbery shrimp. To add more depth of flavor, consider using fresh herbs. Fresh basil or cilantro can bring a great twist. You can also add a splash of white wine or stock. This will boost the taste of your garlic butter sauce. Pairing products can elevate your dish. Serve your shrimp with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh green salad or pasta works well too. You can also add lemon zest to your sides for a bright taste. For the full recipe, you will find everything you need to make this dish shine! {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish to fit your needs. For a lighter version, skip the butter and use olive oil. It still gives a nice flavor. If you want a creamier sauce, try adding a splash of heavy cream. For those who are vegan, use plant-based butter and tofu instead of shrimp. You can also swap out shrimp for scallops or chicken if you prefer. Each change offers a new taste while still keeping that garlic and lemon goodness. To add some global flair, consider using different spices. For an Asian twist, add soy sauce and ginger. For a Mediterranean touch, sprinkle in some oregano or thyme. You could even add a splash of white wine for depth. If you love spicy food, try adding chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. Each spice can change the dish and make it more exciting. To keep Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. This method helps retain flavor and texture. Make sure to cool the shrimp before sealing. Store the container in the fridge at 40°F or lower. This keeps it safe to eat for up to two days. When reheating shrimp, keep the heat low to avoid toughening. Use a skillet over medium heat for best results. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Gently stir the shrimp until warmed through, usually about 3-4 minutes. This way, you keep the garlic butter flavor intact without drying out the shrimp. Enjoy your meal again with the same delicious taste! What type of shrimp is best for this recipe? I recommend using large shrimp. They have a nice texture and hold flavor well. Look for shrimp that are fresh, firm, and have a mild smell. If you can, choose shrimp that are wild-caught for the best taste. Can I use frozen shrimp, and how should I prepare them? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, thaw them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid steam. This helps them sear beautifully in the pan. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe serves four people. It’s perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner with friends. Nutritional information for Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp Each serving has about 250 calories. It contains 15 grams of protein and 20 grams of fat. This dish is low in carbs, making it a great choice for many diets. What can I use as a substitute for butter or garlic? For butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil. If you need a garlic substitute, try garlic powder or shallots for a different flavor. Alternatives for those with dietary restrictions If you are dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter and skip the shrimp, opting for mushrooms instead. These choices keep the dish flavorful and satisfying. In this article, we explored the essential ingredients and preparation steps for Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp. I shared tips on choosing quality ingredients and garnishes that enhance flavor. We also discussed variations and adaptations to satisfy different diets and tastes. In conclusion, focus on fresh ingredients and precise cooking for the best results. With these steps, you can create a dish that impresses anyone at your table. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and make this dish your own!

Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp

Indulge in a delicious Zesty Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a refreshing lemon twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is both simple and impressive.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium lemon, zested and juiced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Start by patting the shrimp dry using paper towels; this step is crucial for achieving a delightful sear rather than steaming the shrimp. Once dried, lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

    In a large skillet, place the pieces of unsalted butter and set over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, creating a rich, flavorful base.

      Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter.

        Next, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and add the lemon zest, stirring the mixture well to blend the flavors harmoniously.

          Increase the heat to medium-high and carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked, indicating they're ready to shine.

            Pour the fresh lemon juice into the skillet and gently stir to coat the shrimp evenly in the zesty sauce. Let it cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.

              Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness.

                Serve immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of vibrant citrus flavor.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the shrimp in individual shallow bowls and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with additional parsley and a slice of lemon on each plate for visual appeal.