Simple Baked Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce

Description

Simple Baked Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce is an easy, flavorful seafood recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal preparation. Juicy shrimp are baked in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce that creates a perfect balance of fresh citrus flavor, buttery richness, and savory herbs. This quick recipe is ideal for busy weeknight dinners, meal prep, family gatherings, or a light yet satisfying seafood meal. The shrimp cook quickly in the oven, absorbing all the delicious flavors from melted butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs while staying tender and juicy. The bright lemon flavor enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, while garlic and parsley add a classic seafood seasoning that everyone loves. This dish requires simple ingredients but creates an impressive presentation, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Serve these baked shrimp with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, salad, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful lemon butter sauce. Whether you are a seafood lover or looking for a quick protein-rich meal, Simple Baked Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce is a delicious recipe that comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices
• Extra cracked black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Serving Options

• Steamed rice
• Pasta
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp bake properly and allows the seasoning to stick better.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until combined.
4. Season the Shrimp: Place shrimp in the baking dish and pour the lemon butter mixture over them. Toss gently until every shrimp is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
5. Bake the Shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer and bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp, until they turn pink, opaque, and tender.
6. Finish the Dish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Add extra lemon slices and cracked black pepper for a fresh finishing touch.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve warm with your favorite side dish while the lemon butter sauce is still rich and flavorful.

Tips & Notes

• Use large or jumbo shrimp because they stay juicier and are less likely to overcook.
• Always pat shrimp dry before seasoning to prevent excess liquid in the baking dish.
• Avoid overbaking shrimp because they can quickly become rubbery.
• Fresh garlic creates the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used if needed.
• Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter taste than bottled lemon juice.
• Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy seafood dish.
• For extra richness, add a small amount of Parmesan cheese before baking.
• You can add vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to bake together with the shrimp.
• For meal prep, store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently because shrimp can become tough when overheated.
• The leftover lemon butter sauce is delicious over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Q&A

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before baking for the best texture.
How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
Cooked shrimp turn pink, opaque, and form a loose “C” shape. Avoid cooking until they curl tightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with additional olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
What shrimp size works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they remain tender and juicy during baking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the sauce and season the shrimp ahead, then bake just before serving.

Servings & Nutrition

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Each serving contains an estimated 250–320 calories, 35–40g protein, 3–5g carbohydrates, and 12–18g fat, depending on the amount of butter and oil used. Shrimp provide high-quality protein while remaining naturally light, and the lemon, garlic, and herbs add fresh flavor without requiring heavy ingredients. Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and substitutions. Simple Baked Shrimp with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, healthy, and delicious seafood recipe that proves simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want a flavorful dish with minimal effort.