Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce

If you’re looking for an easy yet incredibly flavorful seafood dish, Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is a must-try! This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich, tangy, and garlicky butter sauce, all baked to perfection for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting a gathering, or planning a romantic date night, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

The best part? It requires simple ingredients like fresh shrimp, butter, lemon juice, garlic, and a few seasonings. The flavors meld beautifully as the shrimp bake in a luscious sauce that can be spooned over rice, pasta, or crusty bread. Plus, this dish is completely halal, making it a perfect addition to any seafood lover’s meal rotation.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the best baked shrimp, including ingredient substitutions, expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Keep reading to discover how to make this incredible shrimp dish that’s guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – This dish takes just 20 minutes from start to finish!
• Simple Ingredients – Uses common pantry staples and fresh shrimp.
• Bursting with Flavor – The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter creates a rich and zesty taste.
• Versatile – Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables.
• Healthy and Light – Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 6–8 shrimp per person

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients

To make this baked shrimp in lemon butter sauce, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for added freshness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them absorb the flavors of the seasoning.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the shrimp, tossing gently to coat evenly. If using cherry tomatoes, scatter them around the shrimp.

Step 5: Bake the Shrimp

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Ingredient Background

• Shrimp: The star of the dish! Large shrimp work best, as they remain juicy after baking.
• Lemon: Enhances freshness and balances the richness of the butter.
• Butter: Adds a velvety texture and deep flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic taste that complements seafood.
• Paprika & Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of spice.
• Oregano & Thyme: Infuse the dish with herbal notes.

Technique Tips

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed) yield the best results.
• Don’t Overbake: Shrimp cook quickly; 8–10 minutes is all they need.
• Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease red pepper flakes based on your preference.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Serve Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine or spaghetti.
• Shrimp Tacos: Use warm tortillas and add fresh slaw for a Mexican twist.
• With Crusty Bread: The lemon butter sauce is perfect for dipping!

Additional Tips for Success

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the shrimp sit in the sauce for 15 minutes before baking.
• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: This retains heat well and enhances browning.
• Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make great additions.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Lemon Butter Shrimp: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream before baking.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning for a bold twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Increase the Parmesan and garlic for a cheesier version.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked shrimp in the lemon butter sauce for up to 2 months.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Less Butter: Replace half the butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
• Low-Sodium Version: Reduce salt and use fresh herbs for flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all added seasonings and Parmesan are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Elegant Dinner Party: Serve with risotto and a side salad.
• Casual Gathering: Pair with garlic bread and a citrusy salad.
• Holiday Feast: Offer alongside mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Special Equipment

• Baking Dish or Oven-Safe Skillet
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Tongs for Tossing Shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh shrimp, but you’ll need to thaw them properly before baking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15–20 minutes until fully defrosted. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this ensures that the shrimp bake properly without becoming watery.

2. What type of shrimp should I buy?

For this recipe, it’s best to use large or jumbo shrimp (16–20 count per pound). Large shrimp hold up well to baking and stay juicy and tender. Look for wild-caught shrimp if possible, as they tend to have a more robust flavor compared to farm-raised shrimp. Additionally, buying peeled and deveined shrimp saves time in preparation. If using shrimp with shells, you’ll need to peel and devein them before baking for the best texture.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the shrimp and lemon butter sauce ahead of time to make mealtime easier. Simply marinate the shrimp in the sauce, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. However, it’s best to bake the shrimp just before serving, as seafood tastes best when freshly cooked. If you need to reheat leftovers, do so gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

4. How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 8–10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You’ll know the shrimp are done when:

• They turn pink and opaque with a slight curl.
• The internal temperature reaches 120–130°F (49–54°C) if using a meat thermometer.
• They have a firm yet tender texture—overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.

If you’re unsure, remove one shrimp from the oven and cut into it. If it’s fully opaque in the center and no longer translucent, it’s ready!

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Butter gives the sauce a rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor, while margarine has a more neutral taste. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can also use olive oil or vegan butter instead. Olive oil provides a light, Mediterranean-style flavor, while vegan butter mimics the richness of dairy butter.

6. What can I use instead of parsley?

If you don’t have parsley on hand, there are plenty of alternatives that work well in this dish:

• Cilantro – Adds a fresh, slightly citrusy taste.
• Basil – A sweet, aromatic herb that complements lemon and garlic.
• Chives – A mild onion-like herb for a subtle kick.
• Dill – Perfect for seafood, with a light and slightly tangy flavor.

Each herb brings a unique twist to the recipe, so feel free to experiment based on your personal preference.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild heat due to the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer a completely mild dish, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether. On the other hand, if you love spice, consider adding one or more of the following:

• Extra red pepper flakes (increase to ½ teaspoon or more).
• Cajun seasoning for a Southern-inspired kick.
• A dash of hot sauce mixed into the lemon butter sauce.
• Finely chopped fresh chili peppers for a bold, spicy punch.

The spice level is easy to customize based on your personal taste.

8. What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover baked shrimp in lemon butter sauce can be used in various delicious ways:

• Shrimp Salad – Toss the shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
• Shrimp Pasta – Reheat the shrimp gently and toss them with cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil or Alfredo sauce.
• Shrimp Wraps – Use the shrimp as a filling for tortillas along with lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.
• Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowl – Serve reheated shrimp over steamed rice with roasted vegetables.
• Shrimp Sandwich – Layer shrimp on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Storage Tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm shrimp in a pan over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
• Freezing is not recommended for cooked shrimp, as it may alter the texture, but you can freeze raw shrimp with the lemon butter marinade for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet incredibly delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, tangy, and garlicky flavors, it pairs well with various sides like pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this quick and easy recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home!

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