Delicious Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Lemon butter garlic shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or as the main course for a light lunch or dinner. It's perfect for those looking to enjoy a quick and easy meal that will impress family and friends. This recipe makes 4 servings, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

To start, rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside until needed.

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat up olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic cloves and cook for about 1-2 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them as this can give your dish an off flavor.

Once the garlic has softened slightly, stir in the lemon zest. Allow it to release its fragrance into the pan by cooking for another minute or so. Next, add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely in the pan. The melted butter should have a rich golden color with little bits of browned garlic floating on top.

While the butter is melting, season your shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Once the butter has reached its melting point, carefully place the shrimp into the skillet. It's important not to overcrowd the pan; you want each piece of shrimp to have room around it so that they can cook evenly.

Let the shrimp sear in the hot butter for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn opaque and slightly pink, then flip them over with a spatula. The other side should take another minute or two depending upon how done you like your shrimp. To ensure the shrimp are fully cooked through, check if there is any translucent area left in their center; if it's still white, cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Once the shrimp are golden brown and opaque throughout, remove them from heat using a slotted spoon and place onto plates lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top of each portion as garnish before serving immediately.

To serve: Place lemon butter garlic shrimp on a platter adorned with chopped parsley for extra color appeal and flavor. You can also pair it alongside steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli for an extra boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that go well with this dish. Alternatively, serve it over rice noodles if you're looking to add more texture and carbs into your meal.

Enjoy your homemade lemon butter garlic shrimp! This quick and simple recipe allows you to prepare a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen or using complicated ingredients. With just basic pantry items like lemons, garlic, and shrimp, you can create something truly special that is both healthy and satisfying.

This dish pairs beautifully with other seafood options such as scallops, mussels, or even some chunks of fish like cod or halibut. You could also try varying the sauce by substituting part of the butter with olive oil for a lighter version or adding additional ingredients like capers or caper berries if you want to add more depth and flavor complexity.

Lemon butter garlic shrimp is not only delightful on its own but also makes an excellent accompaniment to various salads, soups, or pasta dishes. Its rich, tangy, and savory flavors complement many different types of side dishes perfectly. So why not give it a try? It’s easy to make, tastes amazing when prepared correctly, and can be enjoyed by people who follow most dietary preferences including those following vegetarian diets.