How to Make a Delicious Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp

Lemon butter garlic shrimp is one of those recipes that can instantly transform any meal into something truly special. With its tangy lemon notes and rich garlic flavor, this dish pairs perfectly with almost anything, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients for 4 Servings (Cooking Time: About 30 Minutes)

• 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice from half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Optional: 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking the shrimp

Step-by-Step Guide

To start, you will want to prepare your ingredients. First, make sure all your seafood is cleaned well and ready to go. While this step can be done ahead of time, it's best to get everything prepped before starting the cooking process.

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Once heated, carefully add your shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque pink.

As you finish cooking the shrimp, melt the butter in a separate bowl. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest into the melted butter and stir until fragrant and well combined.

Mix the cooked shrimp with the melted butter mixture. Pour half of this lemon-butter sauce over the shrimp, ensuring that every piece is covered evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Let it sit on low heat to meld flavors but not cook further; you want your shrimp to stay perfectly cooked at this point.

Tips and Variations

1. Cooking with Less Fat: If you're watching your fat intake, you can use 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of butter for cooking the shrimp. This method will still provide a delightful burst of flavor without all the extra calories.
2. Pack Heat: For a bit more spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the melted butter mixture or even mix in a bit of hot sauce after adding it back into your cooked shrimp.
3. Dairy-Free Version: You can make this dish dairy-free by replacing butter with olive oil and using lemon zest instead. This keeps the essence of the recipe while making it suitable for those who follow dairy-free diets.

Health Benefits

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits thanks to its use of fresh seafood, which is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Shrimp specifically are rich in vitamins such as B12, niacin, vitamin D, and zinc, making it a nutritious choice for your meal.

The addition of garlic boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, improves cardiovascular health, and even fights bad breath! Lemon is known for its potent antioxidants which can help fight aging, enhance skin health, reduce risk factors for heart disease, and improve digestion. Together with fresh parsley, you get a well-rounded dish that not only tastes great but also nourishes your body.

Conclusion

Lemon butter garlic shrimp is more than just another recipe; it's an opportunity to enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you're hosting friends over or preparing a quick dinner for yourself, this dish will surely impress everyone at the table. Its easy preparation and outstanding taste make it a go-to choice whenever you need a little extra kick to your regular meals.