If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, buttery, and zesty flavors, then this Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious mixture of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and garlic, all baked to perfection for that tender, juicy bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a quick weeknight treat, this recipe is straightforward yet so incredibly satisfying, offering a brilliant balance of richness and tanginess that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in making this dish shine. From the delicate shrimp to the aromatic garlic and the sunny splash of lemon, these components come together to create a harmonious and mouthwatering experience.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, tender and perfect for quick cooking.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a luscious texture that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps balance the butter and keeps the shrimp juicy.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses sharp, savory warmth for a flavor boost.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Brings a punch of citrus aroma that intensifies the lemon flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, green finish and a hint of earthiness.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): An optional burst of tang for those who like extra zest.
How to Make Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to cook the shrimp quickly, preserving their delicate texture while allowing the butter lemon sauce to meld beautifully with every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Arrange your large peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Doing this ensures even cooking and makes clean-up a breeze later on.
Step 3: Make the Butter Lemon Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This vibrant sauce is packed with layers of flavor and will soak into the shrimp as it bakes.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Pour the butter lemon mixture evenly over the arranged shrimp, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This guarantees that every bite will be succulent and bursting with that perfect buttery lemon taste.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp turn pink and opaque—just the right texture for tender, juicy shrimp that melt in your mouth.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra lemony kick that truly elevates the dish.
How to Serve Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an ideal garnish that adds a vibrant color contrast and light herbal notes, making the dish visually stunning and vibrantly flavored. A few lemon wedges on the side make it simple for everyone to squeeze on that additional burst of citrus.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or a silky risotto to soak up the buttery lemon sauce. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus, which add nice texture and balance to the richness of the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked shrimp atop a bed of garlic butter pasta or tucked inside warm tortillas for a delightful shrimp taco. You can also present it over toasted baguette slices for an impressive appetizer that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the shrimp cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their flavor best when eaten within 2 days, making for a quick and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Just be sure to thaw them gently in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain their texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp gently in a warm skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make shrimp rubbery. Add a splash of butter or lemon juice during reheating to revive their luscious flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before baking to avoid excess moisture and ensure they brown nicely.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp Recipe has a gentle warmth from paprika but is not spicy. Feel free to add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any gluten-containing ingredients. Just verify your paprika and other seasonings are certified gluten-free if needed.
How do I know when shrimp are done baking?
Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn opaque and pink with slightly curled tails. This usually takes 8-10 minutes at 400°F.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely. Just spread the shrimp out on two baking sheets to ensure even cooking, or bake in batches if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp Recipe truly brings together the best of buttery richness and zesty brightness in a dish that’s both simple and special. It’s a fantastic go-to when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I promise once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite easy seafood meals to make again and again.
Print
Baked Butter Lemon Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful baked butter lemon shrimp recipe featuring succulent shrimp coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce with garlic and herbs, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter Lemon Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the shrimp evenly.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and even cooking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful lemon butter sauce.
- Coat Shrimp: Pour the prepared butter lemon mixture over the arranged shrimp, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Garnish: Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the baked butter lemon shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of lemony freshness.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen for even baking.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they can become rubbery; watch for pink and opaque color.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest to maximize the bright citrus flavor.
- For added spice, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes before baking.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
