Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce—a delicious, easy-to-make dish that bursts with flavor. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner, yet impressive enough to serve at a special occasion.
Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
This baked shrimp dish is packed with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon and the rich creaminess of butter, combined with tender shrimp for a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish but is simple to prepare at home. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or a light, elegant dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off, your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Preparing the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. It’s important that the shrimp aren’t overcrowded so that they bake evenly. Season the shrimp with a light sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
3. Making the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped parsley. The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter creates a bright, flavorful sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
4. Drizzle and Toss the Shrimp
Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp in the baking dish. Gently toss the shrimp in the sauce to ensure every piece is coated. If desired, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the shrimp for an extra layer of richness and to help the shrimp caramelize slightly during baking.
5. Bake the Shrimp
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the shrimp for 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery if baked for too long.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color and added freshness. The parsley enhances the presentation and adds a slight herbaceous flavor, while the lemon slices intensify the citrus notes of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great serving options:
- Over pasta: Serve the shrimp over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta, tossing the pasta in the extra lemon butter sauce for a flavorful meal.
- With rice: A side of fluffy white or brown rice is perfect to soak up the sauce.
- With crusty bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread to mop up the delicious, garlicky lemon butter sauce.
- Over salad: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp over a fresh green salad, adding a drizzle of the leftover sauce as a dressing.
Tips for the Best Baked Shrimp
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp gives the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp works well too—just make sure they’re fully thawed before baking.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while they bake. Once they turn pink and are no longer translucent, they’re done!
- Adjust seasoning: If you prefer more lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon juice or zest to the sauce. For more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (though this dish is usually devoured quickly), store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the shrimp may become rubbery.
This Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is a fast, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for shrimp lovers. The combination of zesty lemon, rich butter, and garlic enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, while the quick baking time makes this dish a go-to for any meal. Whether you serve it as part of a main course or as an appetizer, this recipe is bound to impress!