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For Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Juice and zest from 1 large lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish You can also add a pinch of paprika for extra flavor. If you want to change things up, you can use chicken or scallops instead of shrimp. For fresh ingredients, if you lack fresh parsley, use dried parsley. If you don’t have a lemon, lime juice works well too. You will need a large skillet to cook the shrimp evenly. A wooden spoon or spatula will help you stir the shrimp. A sharp knife and cutting board are also essential for prepping your garlic and parsley. 1. Preparing the shrimp for cooking Start by drying the shrimp well with paper towels. This step is key for a good sear. Moist shrimp will steam instead of sear, and we want that nice crust! 2. Prepping garlic and other ingredients Mince the garlic finely. You want it small so it cooks evenly. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into a bowl. Grate the zest too. Chop the parsley finely for a fresh finish. 1. Detailed cooking instructions In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. Then, turn the heat to medium-high. Add the dried shrimp to the skillet. 2. Tips for achieving the perfect sear Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They will turn pink and opaque. Do not crowd the pan; this helps with searing. 1. Adding lemon juice and zest Just before the shrimp are done, add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet. Toss quickly to coat the shrimp in that buttery sauce. This adds bright, fresh flavor. 2. Incorporating parsley and presentation tips Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. This adds color and a hint of freshness. Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley for a lovely look. For the full recipe, check the link above. To sauté shrimp well, start with dry shrimp. Pat them with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Heat your skillet before adding the butter. Use medium heat to melt the butter, then add the garlic. Stir it for one minute until you smell its great aroma. Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn't burn. To prevent overcooking, cook shrimp for only 2-3 minutes per side. Look for that bright pink color. Once they turn opaque, they are ready. If you overcook shrimp, they become rubbery and tough. Nobody wants that! Adding herbs can lift the flavor. Fresh parsley adds a bright taste. You can also try basil or cilantro for variety. For spice, red pepper flakes offer a nice kick. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less. If you want more heat, use jalapeños or hot sauce. To make your dish look pretty, serve the shrimp on a white plate. This makes the colors pop. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley. A sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice touch too. Pair this dish with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. These sides complement the buttery sauce well. For a fun twist, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Get creative and enjoy your meal! You can find the full recipe [here](#). {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. Adding spices like paprika or cumin can give it a new spin. These spices can enhance the dish without overpowering the lemon and garlic. You can also add vegetables, making it even more colorful. Try bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them before adding shrimp for a well-rounded taste. If you prefer gluten-free, this dish fits perfectly. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. For a lower-fat version, you can use less butter or swap it for olive oil. This will still keep the dish tasty while cutting back on fat. You can also use shrimp alternatives like chicken or tofu if you wish. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp can transform into a pasta dish easily. Just toss cooked pasta in the same sauce for a hearty meal. For an Asian twist, add soy sauce and sesame oil. This gives it a bold flavor with a hint of sweetness. You can garnish with green onions to add freshness. For the full recipe, check here [Full Recipe]. To keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. Store the shrimp in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. To freeze your shrimp dish, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight. For a quick method, run the sealed bag under cold water. Reheat in a pan over low heat until warm. Avoid cooking it too long to keep the shrimp tender. Food safety is key when handling shrimp. Always wash your hands before preparing food. Check that the shrimp is fresh before cooking. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean and not have a strong odor. If your shrimp looks discolored or slimy, it may be spoiled. Trust your nose and eyes, and when in doubt, throw it out. Always follow these safety tips to enjoy your meal worry-free! How long to cook shrimp for best results? Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough. Can I use frozen shrimp instead? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Dry them well before cooking. This helps them sear nicely. What to do if shrimp are rubbery? If shrimp are rubbery, you likely overcooked them. Cook them just until they turn pink. How can I enhance the lemon flavor? To boost lemon flavor, add more zest or juice. Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference. You can also add lemon slices for garnish. What drinks pair well with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp? White wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well. Sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing choice. Best sides to serve alongside this dish? Serve with rice or pasta to soak up the sauce. A fresh green salad or roasted veggies also pairs nicely. For the full recipe, check the link above. This blog post covered everything you need for a great Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. We discussed required and optional ingredients, tool recommendations, and preparation steps. You learned how to cook shrimp perfectly while enhancing flavor and presentation. By following these tips and exploring variations, you can create a dish that suits your taste. Whether you want to store leftovers or try new flavors, you now have the tools to impress. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Impress your family and friends with this simple and flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe! Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for any night, featuring fresh shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with a zesty lemon twist. Discover tips for the perfect sear and ideas for delicious side dishes. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and transform your dinner into a gourmet experience tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Juice and zest from 1 large lemon

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by drying the shrimp thoroughly using paper towels. This step is important to ensure they achieve a lovely sear when cooked.

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant. Keep a careful eye on it to prevent burning the garlic.

      Raise the heat to medium-high and add the dried shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you desire a spicy kick. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a vibrant pink and are opaque throughout.

        Just before the shrimp are done, squeeze the lemon juice into the skillet and add the zest, tossing everything together quickly to ensure the shrimp are coated in the buttery lemon-garlic sauce.

          Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped parsley for a refreshing burst of flavor.

            Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with extra lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley on top for a beautiful presentation.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4