The Ultimate 20-Minute Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe: Quick, Flavorful & Family-Friendly

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner solution: **Lemon Garlic Shrimp**! This sensational recipe delivers a burst of fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter, creating an incredibly flavorful meal that’s ready in just 20-30 minutes. It’s not only quick and easy but also a guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to simple, delicious seafood perfection!

Author’s Note

This Speedy Shrimp Dinner Revolutionizes My Weeknights!

Life can get incredibly busy, and finding the time to whip up a delicious, home-cooked meal often feels like an impossible task. That’s precisely why this **Lemon Garlic Shrimp** recipe has become an absolute game-changer in my kitchen. When I’m short on time and need dinner on the table fast, it’s one of the very first dishes I turn to, right alongside my go-to One-Pot Spaghetti. It’s a culinary miracle because it’s incredibly quick to prepare, demands minimal effort, and—perhaps best of all—doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes behind. That’s a huge win in my book!

The magic of this dish lies in the perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp, which gets generously coated in a rich, buttery lemon-garlic sauce that simply bursts with incredible flavor. I always make sure to save a little extra of this golden elixir to spoon generously over the top when serving, ensuring every bite is drenched in goodness. Or, for the ultimate indulgence, I grab a warm, soft No-Knead Dinner Roll and use it to lovingly mop up every last drop of the leftover sauce. If you ask me, that delightful ritual is often the absolute best part of the meal! This recipe truly embodies how you can create something deeply satisfying and memorable without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Lemon Garlic Shrimp will quickly become a cherished staple in your home:

• Unbelievably Fast: From beginning to end, this recipe takes a mere 20-30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for even the busiest weeknights when time is a precious commodity.
• Explosive Flavor: The harmonious blend of tangy fresh lemon, pungent garlic, and luxurious butter creates a sauce that is simply irresistible and incredibly satisfying.
• Effortlessly Simple Ingredients: You’ll be pleased to find that most of the ingredients required for this dish are likely already in your pantry or easily accessible at any grocery store.
• Wholesome and Healthy: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, making this a nutritious and light meal option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• A Certified Family Favorite: This dish has a universal appeal! Its vibrant flavors and tender texture are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters at your table, guaranteeing clean plates.
• Minimal Mess, Maximum Enjoyment: Designed mostly as a one-pan wonder, this recipe significantly cuts down on cleanup time, allowing you to spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious creation.

Key Ingredients for Creating the Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp

The secret to sensational Lemon Garlic Shrimp lies in selecting and preparing high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and expert tips for each component:

• Shrimp: For the best results, opt for large or extra-large shrimp, which are typically labeled as 26/30 (meaning there are 26 to 30 shrimp per pound). To save time and effort, consider purchasing shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. If you’re using frozen shrimp, it’s absolutely crucial to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by transferring them to the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a colander under cold running water until fully thawed. Always pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Seasonings: Our carefully crafted blend of lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika provides a robust and flavorful foundation for the shrimp. The addition of ground cayenne pepper is entirely optional but highly recommended if you appreciate a subtle, warming kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne to perfectly match your personal spice preference, or omit it for a milder version of the dish.
• Olive Oil and Butter: These two essential fats play a dual role in this recipe: they are vital for searing the shrimp to a beautiful golden brown and for building the incredibly rich and luscious lemon-garlic sauce. We specifically recommend using unsalted butter, as it gives you complete control over the overall salt level in your dish, allowing you to season it perfectly to your individual taste. Both oil and butter will be used at different stages of the cooking process.
• Chicken Stock or Broth: A small amount of chicken stock is integral to deglazing the pan, capturing all those flavorful browned bits, and forming the savory base of our exquisite sauce. If you’re mindful of sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium chicken stock or broth. This choice helps in managing the total salt content of your meal more effectively.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This ingredient is absolutely non-negotiable for an authentic and vibrant lemon garlic shrimp! There’s simply no substitute for freshly squeezed lemon juice; it provides a bright, zesty, and refreshing tang that dramatically elevates the entire dish, far surpassing the flavor of bottled alternatives.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is undeniably the cornerstone of this recipe’s irresistible aromatic appeal. Take the time to mince your garlic finely. This ensures that its pungent, savory flavor is evenly distributed throughout the buttery sauce and prevents you from encountering large, overwhelming chunks of raw garlic in your finished meal.
• Fresh Parsley: A final flourish of finely chopped fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of color to the dish but also introduces a wonderfully fresh, herbaceous note. This subtly herbaceous finish beautifully complements the richness of the lemon-garlic butter sauce, enhancing both the visual appeal and the overall flavor profile.

How To Master Lemon Garlic Shrimp: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these precise, straightforward steps to effortlessly create a restaurant-quality Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen:

1. Prepare and Season the Shrimp: The first and most critical step is to thoroughly pat your thawed shrimp dry with paper towels. This seemingly small detail is essential; it ensures the shrimp will sear beautifully and achieve a desirable golden-brown crust rather than steaming in its own moisture. Once dried, place the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl and generously toss them with the lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and ground cayenne pepper (if you’re opting for a little heat). Gently mix until each shrimp is evenly coated. Set the seasoned shrimp aside while you gather and prepare the remaining ingredients for your lemon butter sauce. Having everything prepped in advance ensures a smooth, quick, and stress-free cooking process.
2. Cook the Shrimp to Perfection (First Batch): Place a large, heavy-bottomed pan (ideally a 12-inch skillet or larger to prevent overcrowding) over high heat. Allow it to get scorching hot. Add half of the olive oil (1 tablespoon) and half of the unsalted butter (1 tablespoon). As soon as the butter is melted and sizzling, quickly add the salt to your seasoned shrimp and give it a final gentle toss. Carefully arrange half of the shrimp in a single, even layer in the hot pan, making sure they do not overlap. Overcrowding the pan will drastically lower its temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. Cook for precisely 1 minute on the first side. Then, using tongs (never a spoon, which can damage the shrimp), flip each shrimp over and cook on the other side for just 1 more minute. Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, so watch closely for the color change: the moment the meat near the bottom (the thickest part of the “C” curve) changes from translucent and gray to opaque and solid pink, it’s perfectly done. Transfer this first batch of cooked shrimp immediately to a clean plate to prevent any further cooking from residual heat.
3. Cook the Remaining Shrimp (Second Batch): Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and another 1 tablespoon of butter to the now-empty pan, keeping the heat high. Once the butter melts, add the rest of the seasoned shrimp, cooking for 1 minute per side, just as you did with the first batch. Again, use tongs for precise handling. As soon as this second batch is cooked through and opaque, transfer all of it to the plate with the first batch of shrimp.
4. Craft the Flavorful Lemon Butter Sauce: With all the shrimp cooked and removed, return the empty pan to medium-high heat. Pour in the chicken stock or broth. Immediately begin stirring vigorously, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula to release all the flavorful browned bits (known as “fond”). These bits are packed with concentrated flavor and are essential to a rich sauce. Allow the stock to bubble up and reduce, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it has mostly evaporated and thickened slightly. This step concentrates the flavors.
5. Combine and Serve Immediately: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Return all the cooked shrimp (along with any delicious accumulated juices on the plate) back into the pan with the now-reduced stock. Add the last 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter (cut into 1-tablespoon pieces to help it melt faster), the minced garlic, and the fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to ensure everything is thoroughly combined and coated in the developing sauce. As soon as the butter has completely melted and the sauce has beautifully enveloped the shrimp, remove the pan from the heat immediately. At this point, your shrimp should be perfectly cooked through, tender, and juicy. Sprinkle generously with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color. If desired, offer additional lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of zest. Serve your Lemon Garlic Shrimp promptly and enjoy every delicious, flavor-packed bite!

Pro Tips for Unforgettable Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Elevate your Lemon Garlic Shrimp from great to extraordinary with these expert cooking tips, ensuring a perfect outcome every single time:

• Embrace High Heat and Rapid Cooking: Shrimp thrives on quick, high-heat cooking. A scorching hot pan is your best friend here, as it allows the shrimp to develop a beautiful browned exterior while simultaneously locking in its natural juices, resulting in tender, succulent shrimp instead of a rubbery texture. Don’t be tempted to lower the heat or cook them slowly!
• Thoroughly Dry the Shrimp: This step is non-negotiable and cannot be overemphasized. Any excess moisture clinging to the surface of the shrimp will prevent proper searing and caramelization. Instead of achieving that desirable golden-brown crust, wet shrimp will steam in the pan, leading to a duller appearance and a less appealing texture. Always use paper towels to pat them completely dry before seasoning.
• Utilize Tongs for Precision: When cooking shrimp, using tongs is far superior to a spoon or spatula. Tongs provide the precision needed to individually place each shrimp in the pan without overcrowding, to deftly flip them for even cooking, and to quickly remove them once they’ve reached perfect doneness. This minimizes handling damage and ensures a consistent cook.
• Remove Promptly to Prevent Overcooking: Shrimp cooks incredibly quickly. It’s crucial to understand that residual heat in the hot pan can continue to cook the shrimp even after you’ve taken it off the direct heat. To prevent your shrimp from becoming tough and chewy, always transfer the cooked shrimp immediately to a plate as soon as it turns opaque.
• Optional Flavor Boost Through Marination: For an even deeper infusion of flavor, you can marinate the shrimp with the dry seasonings (lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne) for an additional 15-20 minutes before you begin cooking. However, a crucial caveat: always add the salt *right before* you’re about to cook the shrimp, not during the initial marination. Salt can draw out moisture from the shrimp, potentially leading to a tougher texture if left on for too long.

What To Serve With Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Perfect Pairings

This incredibly versatile Lemon Garlic Shrimp pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal for any occasion:

• Quinoa or Rice: For a quick, healthy, and absorbent base, serve your succulent shrimp over a bed of fluffy quinoa or your favorite white or brown rice. The grains will lovingly soak up every drop of that delectable lemon garlic sauce, making for an incredibly flavorful bite. You can even use convenient microwaveable packets of quinoa or rice for an extra speedy dinner.
• Roasted Vegetables: Elevate your meal with the addition of vibrant roasted vegetables. Asparagus, broccoli florets, colorful bell peppers, or tender zucchini slices are all fantastic choices. Simply toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper, then roast until they are tender-crisp. They add a wonderful pop of color, essential nutrients, and a delightful textural contrast.
• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Do not let a single drop of that utterly irresistible lemon garlic butter sauce go to waste! Serve your shrimp with generous slices of warm, crusty artisanal bread or toasted garlic bread. This is the ultimate tool for mopping up every last savory, zesty drop, making for one of the most satisfying components of the meal.
• Pasta: Transform this recipe into a light yet luxurious shrimp scampi-style dish by tossing the cooked shrimp and its glorious sauce with your favorite pasta. Linguine, spaghetti, or delicate angel hair pasta all work wonderfully, creating a complete and comforting meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect counterpoint to the rich and flavorful shrimp. Its fresh, bright notes cleanse the palate beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

While you technically could use pre-cooked shrimp, it is strongly advised to use raw shrimp for the absolute best flavor and tender texture. Pre-cooked shrimp tends to become rubbery and can lose much of its inherent flavor when reheated, as it’s already fully cooked. If you absolutely must use pre-cooked shrimp, add it to the sauce only at the very end, just long enough to warm through, and completely skip the initial searing steps.

What if I don’t have chicken stock?

If chicken stock isn’t available, you can substitute it with vegetable broth. In a pinch, even a splash of water combined with a tiny pinch of a bouillon cube or powder can work, but chicken stock genuinely adds a superior depth of savory flavor to the sauce base.

Can I freeze cooked Lemon Garlic Shrimp?

Freezing cooked shrimp is generally not recommended. The delicate texture of shrimp can degrade significantly upon freezing and reheating, often resulting in a watery, mushy, or tough consistency. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or consumed within 3 days if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is inherently gluten-free, provided that your choice of chicken stock/broth and all your seasonings do not contain any hidden gluten-containing ingredients. Always make it a practice to check the ingredient labels carefully if you have strict dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, you can create a simple cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the sauce during the reduction step. Simmer for another minute or so until it thickens to your desired consistency.

★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars based on 7 votes)

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

By Chelsea Lords

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick, 30-minute meal loaded with fresh lemon, garlic, and buttery goodness—simple, flavorful, and bound to be a family favorite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Large pan (12-inch or larger)

Ingredients

Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp or extra-large (26/30 count), peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

Lemon Butter Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 cup chicken stock or broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Add to a bowl with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and ground cayenne pepper if using. Gently toss to coat and set aside. Assemble the remaining ingredients for the lemon butter sauce—cooking goes quickly!
2. Place a large (12-inch or bigger) pan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter. While butter melts, add salt to the shrimp. Gently toss. As soon as butter is melted, add shrimp in an even layer so shrimp is not overlapping (it will steam if the pan is too crowded). Cook for 1 minute, then use tongs to flip each shrimp over and cook on the other side for 1 more minute. Transfer cooked shrimp to a clean plate.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 more tablespoon butter to the pan. As soon as the butter melts, add in the remaining shrimp, cooking for 1 minute per side. Use tongs (never a spoon) to place shrimp in the pan and to flip. Transfer all cooked shrimp to a plate.
4. Lemon Butter Sauce: Back to the empty pan, add in chicken stock/broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. It should bubble up and reduce. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until mostly reduced. Reduce heat to medium-high and add all the shrimp (and accumulated juices) back to the pan. Add the last 3 tablespoons butter (cut into 1-tablespoon pieces), garlic, and lemon juice. Stir. As soon as butter is melted, remove pan from heat (shrimp should be perfectly cooked through at this point). Sprinkle on parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy promptly!

Recipe Notes

• Shrimp Selection: Buy shrimp sized at 26/30 (26–30 shrimp per pound). Choose shelled, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience. If using frozen, thaw according to package directions (overnight in the fridge or in a colander in the sink with cold water running over) and thoroughly dry before using.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 294kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.7g | Protein: 23.5g | Fat: 22.2g | Cholesterol: 221.2mg | Sodium: 159.7mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.