Perfectly Crisp Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp

Keyword: lemon butter garlic shrimp

If you're looking for a simple yet impressive dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, look no further than our Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp recipe. This delightful meal is sure to win over your family and friends with its zesty, flavorful profile. A single batch serves four people generously, making it perfect for date nights or casual dinners.

The dish requires minimal ingredients—mainly shrimp, butter, lemon zest, garlic, and a few other pantry staples like salt and pepper—and comes together in no time at all. With its golden-crisp exterior and juicy interior, this dish is truly versatile; it can be enjoyed with pasta or over a bed of fresh greens for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Precise amount of black pepper

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Preparation Steps

To start, preheat your oven broiler. Once the oven is at its highest heat setting, arrange a rack about 6 inches (15 cm) from the heat source and place a baking sheet on it to catch any drippings.

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly. In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Carefully coat each piece of shrimp in this mixture, ensuring that all sides are covered for maximum flavor distribution.

Baking

Transfer your coated shrimp to the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer so they can crisp evenly. Place the tray under the broiler and let it bake until golden brown—about 7-10 minutes, depending on your oven's intensity. Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking; you want the shrimp to be just firm yet tender inside while acquiring that delightful crispy texture outside.

Once cooked, carefully remove the tray from the oven and serve immediately. For serving, simply garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over each portion, if desired. The tangy zest balances out the richness of the butter beautifully!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is subject to slight variations based on ingredient brands and quantities used; however, we estimate per serving:

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9.5g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 6g

Tips for Success

To ensure success, make sure that your butter is at room temperature so it can be easily incorporated into the mix. Also, if you're using frozen shrimp, thaw them first before coating; this guarantees even cooking without affecting the texture.

For added zest, consider adding a handful of fresh parsley or basil to garnish right before serving. You might also want to experiment by swapping out the lemon for lime or orange juice to give your dish a unique twist!

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of steamed asparagus, alongside a fresh green salad, or even with garlic bread and roasted vegetables.

For those who enjoy something more substantial, pair this dish with pasta like fettuccine or linguine tossed in olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, serve it with a simple quinoa pilaf seasoned with cumin and coriander for an exotic touch.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp is not just another dinner option; it's your go-to choice when you want something deliciously fresh and simple yet full of flavor. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, whether casual or formal, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Try this recipe today to impress your guests and enjoy the delightful taste that comes from using just a few basic ingredients skillfully prepared! Bon appétit!