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To make a delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will gather: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to preference) - Juice of 1 large lemon (approximately 3 tablespoons) - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach (optional) - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (optional) Each ingredient adds a special touch. The shrimp brings protein and texture. Butter adds richness, while garlic gives a strong flavor. Red pepper flakes add heat, and lemon juice brightens the dish. Fresh parsley is a nice touch for garnish. Tomatoes and spinach add color and nutrients. You can use pasta for a heartier meal. When you have these fresh ingredients, you are ready to cook. Gather them all, and let’s make a tasty and quick meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook your pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to make it flavorful. Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later. Next, it's time to prepare the shrimp. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let the butter melt completely until it foams just a bit. While the butter melts, take 1 pound of large shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring gently. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. After that, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn vibrant pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once that butter melts, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. If you like, add 1 cup of fresh spinach at this stage. Cook it until just wilted, which should take about a minute. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Squeeze the juice of 1 large lemon over the shrimp and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well mixed. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or another pat of butter. This will help create a nice sauce. If you decided to use pasta, carefully toss the shrimp mixture with the cooked linguine or spaghetti. Make sure everything is coated well. For a lovely presentation, serve the dish in a big bowl or plate it individually. Garnish with chopped parsley and add lemon wedges on the side. This way, anyone can add more lemon if they want that bright flavor. Enjoy your meal! To cook shrimp well, seasoning is key. I use salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Make sure to season before cooking. Cooking time matters too. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If shrimp cook too long, they become rubbery. Keep an eye on them for best results. To change the spice level, adjust the red pepper flakes. Use less for a milder dish or more for heat. The lemon juice adds acidity, brightening the dish. You can also try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These can elevate the meal with fresh tastes. For a nice plate, serve the shrimp in a large bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley for color. Adding lemon wedges makes it fun for guests. Suggest serving with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. These sides add balance and round out the meal nicely. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp: Always choose fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to achieve a good sear. Butter Timing: Add the remaining butter after cooking the shrimp to keep its rich flavor intact and prevent it from burning. Adjust the Heat: Control the heat when cooking shrimp; too high can result in tough shrimp. Medium heat allows for even cooking without drying them out. Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for an additional depth of flavor. {{image_4}} If you want to change things up, you can swap the shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well and cooks similarly. Scallops are another great choice and add a nice touch. For a vegan option, try using tofu or plant-based butter. They can mimic the rich flavor of butter and make the dish just as tasty. You don’t have to stick to the skillet. An oven-baked version can be just as good. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the shrimp in a baking dish, add your butter and seasonings. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Grilling shrimp is another fun method. Skewering them makes for easy flipping on the grill. Just remember to marinate them first for added flavor. Using seasonal vegetables can really enhance the dish. In spring, add fresh asparagus or peas. In summer, use zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, try butternut squash or root veggies. Adjust the flavor profile based on the season too. In winter, you might want to add warm spices like cumin or paprika. Each season offers a chance to reinvent this dish! To store your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet, first let it cool. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. I recommend glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Both are great for storing food. Label your container with the date. This helps you know when to use it. Reheat your shrimp in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the shrimp moist. Stir gently to avoid overcooking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to keep the shrimp from getting tough. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is airtight. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! Cooking shrimp in a skillet takes about 4 to 6 minutes. First, heat your skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when they turn vibrant pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Yes, you can make this dish without pasta. Simply skip the pasta cooking step. Prepare the shrimp, garlic, and veggies as normal. Serve the shrimp with a side salad or some crusty bread instead. This way, you still enjoy all the flavors without the carbs. You can pair this dish with a variety of sides. Some great options include: - Steamed rice or quinoa - Garlic bread for dipping - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables for added color and flavor These sides complement the shrimp and make your meal feel complete. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet. We discussed required ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for the best results. You learned ways to customize the recipe and store leftovers. Remember, cooking shrimp can be easy and fun. Don't be afraid to try new flavors and make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

A flavorful shrimp dish cooked with lemon, garlic, and butter, served with optional pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 large lemon, juiced (approximately 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 large lemon, zested
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and foam slightly. While the butter is melting, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Once the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Take care to avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  • Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, until they are vibrant pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release some juices. If using spinach, add it at this stage and cook until just wilted.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. If the mixture appears dry, incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water or an additional pat of butter until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to elevate the flavors.
  • If you opted for pasta, carefully toss the shrimp mixture with the cooked linguine or spaghetti until thoroughly coated.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for extra freshness.
Keyword butter, garlic, lemon, shrimp, skillet