Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that’s fresh, zesty, and packed with rich buttery goodness, look no further than this Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels like a special treat but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The shrimp are baked to perfection in a tangy lemon-butter sauce that’s so delicious, you’ll want to mop up every last bit with a slice of bread. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

Here’s why this dish is going to become your new favorite:

Quick and Easy: You can have this flavorful dish ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of buttery richness with the brightness of lemon and the touch of garlic and herbs creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Light but Satisfying: Even though it’s buttery, the shrimp still feels light and fresh. It’s a great option when you want something that’s indulgent but not too heavy.

Versatile: You can enjoy these shrimp as a main dish, serve them over pasta, or even toss them in salads for a punch of flavor.

Simple Ingredients: All you need are some fresh shrimp, butter, lemon, garlic, and a few herbs. Simple ingredients that deliver big flavor.

Ingredients

Let’s go over what you need to create these succulent, buttery shrimp:

Shrimp: The star of the show! Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. You can leave the tails on for a nice presentation, or remove them if you prefer.

Butter: This adds the creamy richness to the dish. Go for unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning to your liking.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish and balance out the richness of the butter. You’ll want to use both juice and zest for the full lemony flavor.

Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic, savory note to the shrimp. It infuses beautifully with the butter.

Fresh Herbs: Parsley and thyme add a fresh, herby touch that enhances the dish without overpowering the shrimp’s natural flavor.

Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil helps to cook the shrimp and ensures they bake to tender perfection.

Salt and Pepper: To taste. These simple seasonings are key to bringing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

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

Instructions

Here’s how to whip up these Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp in no time:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want the oven nice and hot so the shrimp can cook quickly and evenly.

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the butter sauce stick to them. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add the lemon juice, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper, then give it all a good stir.

Coat the Shrimp: Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each shrimp gets a nice coating. If you like extra sauce, feel free to drizzle more over the top!

Bake the Shrimp: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly!

Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of buttery, tangy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 240

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Pasta: Serve the shrimp over a bed of pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, to soak up all that glorious lemon butter sauce.

Rice: A side of fluffy white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Salads: These shrimp would be amazing tossed into a fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.

Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread to dip into that buttery sauce!

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or even a medley of roasted carrots and zucchini would make a lovely, colorful side dish.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, try to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp will work, but make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done!
• Customize the Sauce: If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking.

Q2: Can I make this dish spicy?
A2: Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce for a little extra heat.

Q3: Can I use a different type of seafood?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with scallops or even fish fillets. Adjust the baking time accordingly for different seafood.

Q4: How do I know when the shrimp are done?
A4: Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture, so be sure to watch them closely!

Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them fresh to keep the shrimp tender.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A6: Yes, feel free to add sliced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish. Just be sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly.

Q7: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A7: While margarine can work as a substitute, the flavor won’t be as rich and buttery. I recommend using butter for the best result.

Q8: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A8: Fresh lemon juice is always best for this dish, but if you don’t have a fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

Q9: Can I make this dish in a skillet instead of baking it?
A9: Yes! You can cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat. Just sauté them in the lemon butter sauce for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Conclusion

Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp is the kind of dish that feels like a little luxury but is quick and easy to make. The tender shrimp are coated in a luscious butter sauce with a burst of fresh lemon, making each bite an absolute treat. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself on a weeknight, this dish is sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your shrimp, whip up that sauce, and get baking!

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