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For this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe, you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges, for serving You can add optional ingredients like a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh basil for extra flavor. When choosing shrimp, I recommend large shrimp. They cook evenly and look great on a plate. Look for shrimp that are firm, shiny, and smell fresh, not fishy. For lemons, pick ones that feel heavy for their size. This means they have plenty of juice. The skin should be bright and smooth. Fresh lemons add a zesty flavor that brightens the dish. 1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and fun. 2. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. 3. Once the butter melts, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. 4. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. 5. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They will turn pink and opaque. 7. Pour in the juice of 1 lemon and sprinkle the lemon zest over the shrimp. 8. Stir everything to combine well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. 9. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. 10. Serve your dish right away with lemon wedges on the side. To sauté shrimp perfectly, remember these tips: - Use medium heat to start melting the butter. This helps the garlic cook without burning. - Timing is key. Overcooking shrimp makes them rubbery. Watch them carefully as they change color. - Medium-high heat gives shrimp a nice sear. This adds great flavor and texture. With these steps and tips, you can create a delightful dish of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. To boost the taste of your lemon garlic butter shrimp, try adding fresh herbs. You can use parsley, cilantro, or basil. Each herb brings a unique twist. A pinch of paprika can also add depth. For cooking techniques, use high heat. This helps the shrimp cook fast and keeps them tender. Sauté shrimp in a hot skillet to get a nice sear. This searing locks in flavors and adds a beautiful golden color. One common error is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly. If they turn tough and rubbery, you have cooked them too long. Always watch for the color change. Shrimp should be pink and opaque when done. Another mistake is not seasoning early. Adding salt and pepper at the start helps flavor the shrimp better. Make sure to taste as you go. Adjust seasoning to your liking for the best results. {{image_2}} You can swap butter for olive oil. This change makes the dish dairy-free. If you want a spicy kick, try using cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. For shrimp, you can use scallops or even chicken. These options bring different flavors but keep the dish tasty. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs well with rice or pasta. A fresh green salad or steamed veggies also work nicely. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it soon. It can last for 2 to 3 days this way. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it. Make sure to freeze it in a good container. It will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, you can reheat shrimp safely. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it on low and add a little butter or oil. This helps keep the shrimp moist. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the shrimp and heat it in short bursts. Make sure to stir it often. This helps the shrimp stay tender and not rubbery. How to tell when shrimp is fully cooked? You can tell shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. Use a timer to check. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes of cooking. If you overcook shrimp, it becomes rubbery. Can this recipe be made in advance? You can prepare the shrimp ahead of time, but cook it just before serving. If you make it early, store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat gently to avoid overcooking. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw it first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps the seasonings stick better. How to scale the recipe for more or fewer servings? To adjust the servings, simply multiply or divide the ingredients. For example, if you want to serve eight, use 2 pounds of shrimp. Keep the same cooking time, but check shrimp for doneness. This article covered the key ingredients and steps for making Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp. You learned about selecting the best shrimp and picking fresh lemons. I also shared cooking techniques and common mistakes to avoid. Remember, timing is key for perfect shrimp. Add your own twist with seasonings or variations. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy this tasty dish that can impress anyone. With practice, you can make it even better each time!

Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Elevate your dinner game with this zesty lemon garlic butter shrimp recipe! Packed with flavor, this quick and easy dish comes together in just 15 minutes using fresh shrimp, buttery garlic, and a splash of lemon. Perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Click through now to uncover the full recipe and enjoy a delicious seafood delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Increase the heat to medium-high and add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the shrimp. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

          Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.

            Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4