Lemon Herb Butter Shrimp

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 5 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Lemon Herb Butter Shrimp recipe is your ticket to a fast, flavor-packed meal that feels like a restaurant treat but is incredibly easy to whip up at home. Fresh herbs and zesty lemon bring vibrancy to every bite, making it perfect for a light dinner or a fancy lunch.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Butter Shrimp

Shrimp is the star here, offering a tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. We’re using unsalted butter to create a rich base that won't overpower the herbs or lemon. The garlic adds a classic aromatic kick, while fresh parsley and fresh dill bring a garden-fresh finish. Lemon juice and lemon zest introduce a citrusy brightness that ties everything together. Finally, salt and black pepper season the dish, with red pepper flakes adding optional heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled.
  • If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference or skip them for a milder dish.

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over pasta or with a crusty baguette to soak up all that lemony butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor. If you use dried, reduce the quantity by about half.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a vegan butter.
How can I tell when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they’re pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on them!

Lemon Herb Butter Shrimp Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, grab your large skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the butter and let it melt completely. You want it to foam a little, but not brown. Once the butter’s ready, add in the minced garlic. Stir it around, letting it sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!

With the garlic fragrant, it’s time to introduce the shrimp. Add them directly into the skillet, giving them a quick toss to coat in the garlicky butter. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn pink and opaque, which is when they’re perfectly done.

Next, sprinkle in the parsley, dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Don’t forget the salt and black pepper. Mix everything together, ensuring the shrimp are evenly coated in the vibrant herb and lemon mixture. Let it all cook together for another minute, just to meld those flavors.

Finally, turn off the heat and get ready to serve. You can garnish with a bit more parsley if you like that extra pop of green.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare: Ready in under 20 minutes.
  • Fresh and flavorful: A burst of herbs and lemon zest.
  • Simple ingredients: Everything you need might already be in your kitchen.
  • Customizable heat: Add red pepper flakes for spice.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in shrimp, cooking for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
4. Add parsley, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat shrimp evenly.
5. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
6. Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot.

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