Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe

Quick & Tangy Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent lemon butter baked shrimp promises a quick culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Fresh ingredients merge into an effortless seafood delight perfect for weeknight dinners.

Mediterranean flavors shine through with minimal preparation required.

Delicate shrimp absorb rich butter and bright citrus notes, creating a mouthwatering harmony.

Crisp textures and zesty undertones elevate this simple yet elegant dish.

Home cooks can master this recipe in under thirty minutes.

Eager to experience a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques?

Dive right in and savor every delectable bite.

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Main Ingredients:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the primary protein for this delicious baked dish.
  • Butter: Rich dairy product that creates a smooth and flavorful coating for the shrimp.
  • Lemon: Citrus fruit that provides bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the shrimp.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
Garnish and Serving:
  • Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Herbs and citrus garnish that add freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray: Non-stick agent used to prepare the baking dish for easy release and cleanup.

How to Bake Lemon Butter Shrimp to Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or brush it generously with melted butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, create a mouthwatering sauce by combining:
  • Melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Zesty lemon zest
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients become best friends.

Step 3: Dress the Seafood Stars

Toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp, making sure each piece gets a luxurious coating of the lemony butter mixture. Ensure every shrimp is completely embraced by the flavor.

Step 4: Arrange the Seafood Masterpiece

Spread the shrimp in a single layer across the prepared baking dish. Give each shrimp some personal space so they cook evenly and look picture-perfect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the shrimp transform into a gorgeous pink color and become completely opaque. Watch carefully to avoid turning them into rubber!

Step 6: Final Flourish

Pull the dish out of the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy goodness. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Pro Tips for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

  • Select jumbo or large shrimp for the best texture and most impressive presentation.
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before mixing with butter sauce to prevent watery results.
  • Check shrimp for doneness by looking for a pink color and slightly curled shape, which indicates they are perfectly cooked.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or chives instead of parsley for different flavor profiles.
  • Pair this dish with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.

Flavorful Variations of Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

  • Spicy Mediterranean Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes and replace Italian seasoning with oregano for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Coconut Curry Baked Shrimp: Swap lemon juice with coconut milk and add mild curry powder for a creamy, exotic version of the original recipe.
  • Herb Garden Shrimp: Replace paprika with fresh chopped dill, thyme, and rosemary to create an aromatic herb-infused baked shrimp dish.
  • Cajun Butter Shrimp: Mix in Cajun seasoning blend, increase paprika amount, and add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy Southern-style preparation.

Best Pairings for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the zesty lemon and buttery flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the shrimp's delicate taste.
  • Create Herbed Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread rubbed with garlic and fresh herbs to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce, adding texture and absorbing all the amazing flavors.
  • Match with Light Citrus Salad: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with orange segments and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the shrimp and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Select Chilled Chardonnay: An unoaked Chardonnay offers a smooth, crisp finish that harmonizes with the buttery shrimp, creating a delightful dining experience with bright, clean undertones.

Storage Tips for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

  • Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. Place in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain freshness.
  • Warm shrimp in 15-second intervals on 50% power to prevent rubbery texture. Sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating to retain moisture. Stop heating once shrimp are just warmed through.
  • Preheat oven to 275F. Spread shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs About Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before using. Ensure they are fully defrosted and excess water is removed to prevent soggy results.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. They should look opaque and feel firm, not rubbery. Cooking time is typically 10-12 minutes at 375F.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe uses mild seasonings like paprika and Italian herbs. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.

Why Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Is an Irresistible Treat

  • Savor Quick Seafood Delight: Perfectly baked shrimp ready in just minutes, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks craving a delicious protein-packed meal.
  • Master Simple Culinary Skills: Requires minimal cooking expertise with straightforward ingredients and basic preparation techniques, allowing even novice chefs to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
  • Burst with Fresh Flavors: Combines zesty lemon, rich butter, and aromatic herbs to create a bright, tangy seafood experience that elevates a simple shrimp recipe into something extraordinary.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different occasions like weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, pairs wonderfully with rice, salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent lemon butter baked shrimp delivers Mediterranean coastal charm with zesty, buttery elegance. Delicate seafood meets herbed butter in a quick, elegant dish that invites coastal dining right to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:

  • 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 lemon zest

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Initiate oven preparation at 375F (190C), generously lubricating a ceramic baking vessel with cooking spray or liquefied butter to prevent adherence.
  2. Construct a vibrant marinade by whisking melted butter with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, smoky paprika, herbaceous Italian seasoning, and balanced salt and pepper until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Incorporate pristine shrimp into the luminous marinade, delicately tumbling to ensure comprehensive and uniform coating of each succulent morsel.
  4. Strategically distribute marinated shrimp across the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a precise, non-overlapping configuration to guarantee consistent heat penetration.
  5. Transfer the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the shrimp to roast for 10-12 minutes, monitoring their transformation to a soft pink hue and translucent texture, which signals perfect culinary doneness.
  6. Extract the baked shrimp from the oven, embellishing with freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and aromatic enhancement, accompanied by tangy lemon wedges to elevate the sensory experience.

Notes

  • Opt for jumbo or large shrimp to ensure a juicy, tender texture that doesn’t dry out during baking.
  • Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a brighter, more vibrant citrus profile compared to bottled alternatives.
  • For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, swap butter with ghee and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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