If you are looking for a dish that bursts with zesty brightness and satisfying crispiness, this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe is about to become your next favorite. Imagine tender shrimp coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture, pan-fried to a golden crisp with a buttery finish, and accented with vibrant lemon and pepper flavors. This delightful dish not only cooks up quickly, making it ideal for weeknights or casual get-togethers, but it also comes together with straightforward ingredients that elevate the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Every bite delivers a balance of tangy, savory, and buttery notes that will keep you coming back for more, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, from seasoning to texture, ensuring the shrimp has a crispy coating, a punch of flavor, and a luscious finish. Here’s what you’ll gather for this delicious meal:
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup, 63 g): The base for the coating, providing that satisfying crunch when the shrimp is cooked.
- Lemon pepper seasoning (3 teaspoons): The star spice mix of the recipe, it infuses the dish with bright citrus notes and a peppery kick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and savory warmth that complements the lemon and pepper perfectly.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors and helps balance the seasoning.
- Shrimp (1 pound, 454 g): Fresh or thawed frozen, peeled and deveined for bite-sized goodness ready to soak in flavors.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for cooking, it brings a rich and creamy finish that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Cooking oil (1-2 teaspoons): Vegetable or olive oil helps in crisping the coating without burning the butter.
- Fresh lemon juice: To be squeezed as a finishing touch, brightening the dish with natural citrus zing.
- Your favorite vegetable sides, grains, or pasta: To complete the meal with balance and texture.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture
Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl. This seasoned flour mix is essential as it forms the flavorful crust that will cling to each shrimp, giving you that perfect combination of spice and texture.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the flour mixture. Toss them gently but thoroughly, making sure each shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoned flour. This step is crucial because it ensures every bite carries that luscious, crispy exterior paired with the bright lemon pepper seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with a splash of cooking oil. The oil helps stabilize the butter so it doesn’t burn while giving you a beautiful golden crust on the shrimp.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp (First Batch)
Shake off any excess flour from the shrimp to prevent clumps, then place them carefully in a single layer in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding for a crispier texture and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are golden and crispy on the bottom.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the shrimp with tongs and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. You want them to be browned, crisp, and just cooked through for that tender, juicy bite.
Step 6: Repeat with Remaining Shrimp
Remove the cooked shrimp to a plate and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Repeat the cooking process with the rest of the shrimp so all pieces have that irresistible crispy coating and buttery richness.
Step 7: Serve
Plate your beautiful shrimp and go ahead and sprinkle some extra lemon pepper seasoning if you like. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and pair it with your favorite sides. This is where the fun really begins!
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or cilantro can add a lovely pop of color and freshness to the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe. A lemon wedge on the side is perfect for guests who love an extra citrus boost. These simple garnishes bring an inviting look and enhance the already vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with lightly steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, garlic butter pasta, or even a crisp green salad. The shrimp’s tangy, buttery crunch complements both simple and more complex sides, making it an incredibly flexible meal for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
To mix things up, serve the shrimp over creamy grits for comfort food vibes or pile them on warm crusty bread for a casual shrimp sandwich. You can even toss the cooked shrimp into a vibrant salad or tacos for a fresh, handheld twist that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers—which would be a rare treat—store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days without losing their flavor or texture too much.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, frozen cooked lemon pepper shrimp can be frozen in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing to preserve their crispy coating as much as possible.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, warm leftover shrimp in a hot skillet with a small knob of butter and a dash of lemon juice. This method revives their crispy texture better than microwaving, which can sometimes make the shrimp rubbery or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh shrimp for this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp work beautifully and often offer a sweeter, more delicate flavor. Just be sure to peel, devein, and pat them dry before coating to get the best crispy finish.
What can I substitute for lemon pepper seasoning if I don’t have it?
If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning, mix fresh ground black pepper with lemon zest and a pinch of salt. You can also add a little garlic powder for depth. This DIY blend will bring similar bright and spicy notes to your dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not very spicy; the lemon pepper seasoning offers a gentle peppery heat balanced by citrusy brightness. If you want to dial up the heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of pan-frying?
You can, but the texture will be different. Baking at a high temperature can give a crispy coating, though it won’t be quite as golden or buttery as pan-frying. Keep a close eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.
What sides go best with the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe?
Simple sides like steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad complement this dish perfectly. The bright shrimp flavors pair well with both light and hearty accompaniments.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create extraordinary flavors. It’s quick, flavorful, and impressively versatile, making it perfect for dinner any night of the week or for sharing with friends. I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I love sharing it with you!
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Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe features crispy, flavorful shrimp coated in a seasoned flour mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, the shrimp are enhanced with fresh lemon juice and extra lemon pepper seasoning for a bright, zesty finish. Perfect served alongside your favorite vegetable sides, grains, or pasta, this dish is a quick, delicious seafood option that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Seasoned Flour Mixture
- 1/2 cup (63 g) all purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Shrimp and Cooking
- 1 pound (454 g) frozen or fresh shrimp, thawed or peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter, divided
- 1–2 teaspoons cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil, as needed)
To Serve
- Lemon pepper seasoning, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Your favorite vegetable sides, grains, or pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This mixture will give the shrimp a deliciously seasoned coating.
- Coat the Shrimp: Add the thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the flour mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoned flour for a crispy crust when cooked.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter along with a small amount of cooking oil to prevent the butter from burning. Allow the butter to melt completely and the oil to heat up.
- Cook the Shrimp (First Batch): Shake off any excess flour from the shrimp and arrange them in a single, even layer in the hot skillet. Avoid overcrowding; cook in two batches if necessary. Let the shrimp cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns crispy and golden brown.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are crisp, browned, and cooked through. Remove the cooked shrimp and set aside on a plate.
- Repeat with Remaining Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining shrimp to ensure they are evenly cooked and deliciously crispy.
- Serve: Plate the cooked shrimp and sprinkle with extra lemon pepper seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve with your choice of vegetable sides, grains, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, use peeled and deveined shrimp to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying shrimp to maintain a crispy texture.
- Adjust lemon pepper seasoning and lemon juice to your taste preferences for more or less tanginess.
- Can be served with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta to complement the zesty shrimp.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
