Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

The Perfect Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Succulent shrimp dancing in a garlic lemon butter sauce promise an elegant dinner that feels both luxurious and effortless.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspire this quick seafood delight.

Bright citrus notes weave through tender, perfectly cooked shellfish.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Crisp white wine pairs beautifully alongside these garlicky, buttery morsels.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality plate with just a few smart techniques.

Your dinner guests will think you trained in professional culinary arts after tasting this incredible recipe.

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Bake Highlights

  • Whip Up Quickly: This recipe comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
  • Delight Seafood Lovers: Packed with zesty lemon, garlic, and a hint of spice, these shrimp burst with flavor that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
  • Impress Without Stress: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can create a restaurant-quality dish without complex cooking techniques or hours of preparation.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels, swap herbs, or pair with various sides to make this recipe uniquely yours and keep it exciting every time you cook.

What Goes Into Garlic Lemon Shrimp Bake

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that serves as the star of this delicious dish.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Provide rich, smooth base for the sauce and help coat the shrimp evenly.
  • Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor that complements the seafood perfectly.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bring bright, citrusy notes that enhance the shrimp's natural sweetness.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and highlight the overall flavor profile.
  • Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Add subtle warmth and a gentle kick of spice to the dish.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Optional toppings that add fresh herbal notes and a savory, cheesy finish.

Garlic Lemon Shrimp Bake in the Kitchen

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or light brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up The Flavor Bath

In a mixing bowl, combine these tasty ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together until they become best friends.

Step 3: Coat The Seafood Stars

Drop the shrimp into the flavor bath and gently toss them around.

Make sure each shrimp gets a perfect, even coating of the zesty sauce.

Step 4: Arrange The Seafood Feast

Spread the saucy shrimp in a single layer across the prepared baking dish.

Pour any remaining sauce over the top to ensure maximum flavor.

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 beautiful pink color and look wonderfully opaque.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, dust with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Smart Moves for Garlic Lemon Shrimp Bake

  • Select large, deveined shrimp for best texture and easy preparation.
  • Avoid overcooking by checking shrimp at 10 minutes; they should be pink and slightly curled.
  • Add extra minced garlic or a splash of white wine to intensify the sauce's complexity.
  • Increase red pepper flakes for a bolder kick or reduce for milder palates.
  • Use gluten-free butter and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Ways to Customize Garlic Lemon Shrimp Bake

  • Keto-Friendly Version: Replace olive oil with avocado oil and use ghee instead of butter to maintain high-fat content while keeping carbs low.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap red pepper flakes with dried oregano and thyme, add chopped fresh basil for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Asian Adaptation: Substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar, add ginger, soy sauce, and sriracha for a bold, Asian-inspired seafood dish.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil instead of butter, and skip Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version that's still packed with flavor.

Serving Garlic Lemon Shrimp Bake Tonight

  • Seafood Pasta Companion: Toss the baked shrimp over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta for a complete Mediterranean-style meal that's bursting with flavor.
  • Zesty Appetizer Spread: Serve on toasted crostini or crusty bread slices to create elegant finger food perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a light starter.
  • Fresh Salad Topper: Lay the warm shrimp over a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a protein-packed lunch option that's both healthy and delicious.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the garlic lemon butter sauce with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the seafood's delicate flavors.

Saving Garlic Lemon Shrimp Bake for Later

  • Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container, keeping them in the coolest part of the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 275F, place shrimp in a baking dish, drizzle with a little extra butter or olive oil to maintain moisture, cover with foil, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  • Quickly reheat shrimp in 15-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water or butter to prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before using to ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess water.

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

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them closely.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder version. The dish is more zesty than intensely spicy.

  • What type of shrimp works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp work great for this recipe. Peeled and deveined shrimp make preparation easier, but you can also use shell-on shrimp for extra flavor.

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Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to dinner tables. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight meals and special occasions alike.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauces and Additions:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated lemon zest, salt, ground black pepper, smoky paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
  3. Gently fold the raw shrimp into the aromatic marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
  4. Carefully arrange the marinated shrimp in a single, even layer within the prepared baking dish, allowing each piece to have sufficient space for proper cooking.
  5. Drizzle any remaining marinade directly over the shrimp, which will help intensify the flavor and keep the seafood moist during baking.
  6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, watching for the shrimp to transform into a beautiful pink color and become completely opaque.
  7. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
  8. Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, to capture the maximum essence of the garlic lemon butter sauce.

Notes

  • Choose large, raw shrimp with shells removed to ensure quick and even cooking for the best flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by checking them at the 10-minute mark, as they can quickly become rubbery and tough when exposed to heat too long.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the buttery sauce and complements the delicate shrimp.
  • Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes – reduce for mild preference or increase for a spicier kick that adds depth to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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