Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a quick, elegant, and flavorful dish that elevates weeknight dinners or impresses guests at a dinner party. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a tangy lemon-garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection, and ready in under 25 minutes. The combination of buttery richness, zesty citrus, and aromatic garlic ensures each bite is satisfying, protein-packed, and absolutely irresistible.
This recipe is versatile enough to serve as a main dish, a pasta topper, a salad protein, or even an appetizer. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a staple that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus slices for garnish)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Optional add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Lemon zest for extra brightness
- Grated Parmesan for richness
Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons
- Oven or toaster oven
Preparing the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when your shrimp are assembled.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
Whisk until fully combined. This garlic lemon butter sauce is the flavor base of the dish, delivering tangy, buttery, and savory notes in every bite.
Tip: For a slightly spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Arranging the Shrimp
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp for Baking
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in your baking dish. Keep the tails on for a beautiful presentation, or remove them for easier eating.
Step 4: Coat with Sauce
Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring every piece is coated. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Pro Tip: For extra depth, you can drizzle a tiny splash of white wine into the sauce.
Baking the Shrimp
Step 5: Cook Until Perfect
Bake the shrimp uncovered for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know they are done when:
- Shrimp turn pink and opaque
- The tails curl into a “C” shape
- The sauce bubbles gently around them
Tip: Avoid overbaking, as shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Add lemon slices or wedges for garnish. Optionally, sprinkle Parmesan or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
Carbs & Grains
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Garlic butter linguine or angel hair pasta
- Creamy polenta
- Quinoa or couscous
- Mashed potatoes
Vegetable Sides
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Grilled zucchini or summer squash
- Sautéed spinach or kale
- Crisp garden or Caesar salad
Breads
- Crusty French baguette
- Garlic breadsticks
- Buttery dinner rolls
Tips for Perfect Baked Shrimp
- Choose Large or Jumbo Shrimp: They remain juicy and are less likely to overcook.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice lacks brightness. Fresh juice enhances flavor.
- Cook Quickly: Keep baking time between 12–15 minutes. Check early if shrimp are smaller.
- Tail Options: Tail-on shrimp looks elegant for presentation; tail-off is easier for casual dining.
- Customize the Sauce: Add herbs like dill, basil, or thyme, or include Parmesan for richness.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Shrimp Scampi Bake: Replace Italian seasoning with parsley and thyme, add a splash of dry white wine, and serve over pasta.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in chopped fresh dill, rosemary, or basil into the sauce.
- Mediterranean Style: After baking, toss shrimp with halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.
- Skillet: Heat gently over medium heat.
- Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
Tip: Reheating gently preserves the shrimp’s tender texture and the richness of the butter sauce.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Macros may vary slightly depending on the size of the shrimp and the butter brand used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely before baking. Pat dry to remove excess moisture to prevent watery sauce.
What if I want extra lemon flavor?
Add lemon zest to the butter sauce or sprinkle over shrimp before serving.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and sauce in advance but bake just before serving for best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally, as long as no additional breading or gluten-containing ingredients are used.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, shrimp can be grilled over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side. Brush with garlic lemon butter while cooking.
Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is the perfect combination of simplicity, elegance, and bold flavor. Juicy shrimp, aromatic garlic, bright lemon, and rich butter come together in a dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes, ideal for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables and crusty bread for a dinner everyone will love.