When dinner needs to be fast but still feel special, few dishes come together as quickly and deliciously as lemony, buttery shrimp. Ready in under 20 minutes, this simple seafood recipe brings together the richness of butter, the brightness of lemon juice, and the briny sweetness of shrimp for a dish that feels far more indulgent than the clock suggests.
Why You’ll Love It
Shrimp cook in minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have—you can create a meal that works with rice, pasta, or even crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
- 300 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Lower the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Let the sauce bubble for about 1 minute to thicken slightly and coat the shrimp.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Ideas:
- Spoon the shrimp over steamed white rice or herbed couscous.
- Toss with cooked pasta for a quick lemon-garlic shrimp linguine.
- Serve with toasted baguette slices to mop up the sauce.
- Pair with a simple salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Quick Tip:
Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this dish—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.
Lemony, buttery shrimp are proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or much time to make something deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a spontaneous gathering, this dish is always a win.
