Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

Imagine this: succulent shrimp, perfectly baked to juicy, buttery perfection, with a punch of fresh, zesty lemon. Oh, and did I mention the garlic? Yes, this dish is packed with flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re looking to impress a date, treat your family to something special, or just want a comforting, yet fancy-feeling dinner for yourself, this Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp is the perfect choice. Trust me, you’re going to love every bite.

Why You’ll Love Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

Let’s be real for a second—this isn’t just shrimp. This is an experience. The crispy, buttery crust. The vibrant, citrusy zing. This recipe takes seafood to a whole new level, and I promise, it’ll have you hooked after the first bite. Here’s why this dish is the perfect addition to your recipe box:

Versatile: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish can be dressed up or down. Want a quick, satisfying dinner? Serve with a side of rice. Planning a gathering? Serve this beauty as an appetizer that everyone will rave about.

Budget-Friendly: Shrimp doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple ingredients—many of which you likely already have on hand—this dish packs a punch of flavor without hurting your wallet.

Quick and Easy: No need for culinary expertise. This recipe is foolproof, making it perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without all the fuss. It’s all about simple steps with an impressive outcome.

Customizable: Want to add a bit of spice? Go ahead and throw in some red pepper flakes. Prefer it a bit milder? Leave out the heat. This recipe is a blank canvas for you to get creative!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a cozy meal for one or a crowd-pleaser at a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Who doesn’t love the classic combo of butter, lemon, and shrimp?

Ingredients in Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor-packed dish:

Shrimp: The star of the show! Fresh or frozen, shrimp adds that perfect seafood sweetness and tender texture. If you get them with the shells on, that’s fine, but be sure to peel them before cooking.

Butter: Because, well, butter makes everything better. You’ll be using it to coat the shrimp and get that beautiful golden, crispy finish.

Garlic: A generous amount of minced garlic for that irresistible fragrance and deep, savory taste.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring the perfect balance of acidity and brightness to cut through the richness of the butter.

Parsley: Fresh parsley to sprinkle on top for that pop of green, plus a hint of earthiness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and get that perfect golden finish.

Prepare the Shrimp:

Place your shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re spread out evenly so they cook perfectly. This is the foundation of our dish, so take a moment to arrange them just right.

Make the Butter Sauce:

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Then, add lemon juice and zest, stirring it all together. You’ll want that gorgeous lemony aroma filling the kitchen! Pour this buttery goodness over the shrimp and make sure they’re well coated.

Bake to Perfection:

Pop your shrimp into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful pink and slightly crispy on the edges. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re opaque and just beginning to curl up. Perfection!

Finishing Touches:

Once your shrimp is baked to golden perfection, take them out and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Give it a little extra lemon zest for an added punch.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve this dish warm with a side of your favorite bread (for dipping!) or over a bed of rice. And don’t forget to squeeze some more fresh lemon juice over the top just before eating. Enjoy the goodness!

How to Serve Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp pairs beautifully with several sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the shrimp.
• Garlic Bread: You’ll definitely want something to soak up that buttery, garlicky goodness. A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for this.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or green beans for an easy and healthy side.
• Rice or Pasta: A side of rice (white or brown) or a simple pasta toss adds a satisfying base for your shrimp.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make this dish even more amazing:

Prep Ahead: You can peel and devein your shrimp earlier in the day to save time when you’re ready to cook. That way, when the craving hits, you’re already halfway there!

Spice It Up: If you’re into heat, feel free to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Cayenne pepper to add a little kick to the dish.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven or microwave, though they’re always best when freshly made.

Freezing: If you want to make a double batch, you can freeze the shrimp after baking! Just place them in an airtight container or bag, and when you’re ready, pop them in the oven to reheat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly—just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the shrimp and make the butter sauce earlier in the day. Store them separately in the fridge and bake when you’re ready!

Q3: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a low oven temperature (about 300°F) to avoid overcooking.

Q4: Can I make this spicier?
A4: Definitely! Add Cayenne pepper, paprika, or red pepper flakes to the butter sauce to bring in some heat.

Q5: Can I double this recipe for a party?
A5: Yes! Just make sure to use a large enough baking sheet to spread out the shrimp evenly, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

There you have it—simple, fresh, and full of flavor. Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp is the kind of dish that impresses without any stress. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to make you feel like a pro chef in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready for a meal that will have you savoring every single bite.

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