Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of juicy, tender shrimp bathed in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce. This easy baked shrimp dish is bursting with flavor, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer for guests.

I first made this recipe when I needed something delicious yet effortless for a last-minute dinner party. The result? A dish so good that my guests thought I had spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, it came together in under 20 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's as simple as it is spectacular. This baked shrimp recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers and busy home cooks alike.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you want something impressive but don’t want to spend hours cooking.

The flavors are absolutely irresistible. The combination of buttery garlic goodness, bright lemon zest, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes creates a sauce that coats every shrimp perfectly. It’s rich, tangy, and slightly spicy—all in one bite.

It's also a low-carb and keto-friendly option. If you're looking for a healthy yet indulgent seafood dish, this one checks all the boxes. Pair it with steamed veggies or cauliflower rice for a wholesome meal.

Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or keep it simple with a side salad for a light and fresh meal.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing out the best flavors in the dish.

Shrimp – Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but high-quality frozen shrimp work well too—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Butter – The base of the rich, flavorful sauce. I prefer using unsalted butter, which allows better control over the seasoning.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is essential for that deep, savory aroma. Don’t skimp on it!

Lemon juice and zest – The zest adds a bright, citrusy kick that complements the buttery richness of the sauce. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.

Red pepper flakes – A pinch adds just the right amount of heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Parsley – A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

A large baking dish is ideal for ensuring the shrimp cook evenly and soak up all that delicious sauce. If you have a cast-iron skillet, you can use it to bake and serve for a rustic presentation.

How To Make This Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

This recipe is as easy as mix, bake, and enjoy! Let’s walk through the simple steps.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. You want them spread out so they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious sauce.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Pour this luscious butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece gets coated. Give the dish a gentle toss to ensure even distribution.

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

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley over the shrimp as soon as they come out of the oven. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to spoon that incredible sauce over everything!

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this dish disappears fast!), here’s how to store them.

Refrigerate any remaining shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making the dish even more delicious the next day.

For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch it up.

For a richer flavor, swap half of the butter for olive oil. This adds a slightly fruity note while keeping the sauce indulgent.

Add grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy, savory twist. The cheese melts beautifully into the butter sauce, creating an extra layer of richness.

If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.

Make it a full meal by tossing the shrimp with cooked pasta or serving it over a bed of garlic butter rice. The sauce makes an excellent coating for both.

For a citrusy variation, try using lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a slightly sweeter, tropical flair.

No matter how you serve it, this baked shrimp with garlic lemon butter sauce is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to seafood dish!

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