Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp – The Perfect Weeknight Seafood Dish

Seafood lovers know that shrimp recipes are some of the quickest and most satisfying meals you can prepare. Among the countless ways to cook shrimp, one dish stands out for its irresistible balance of flavor and simplicity: Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp. This recipe brings together the richness of butter, the brightness of lemon, and the aromatic punch of garlic, creating a mouthwatering dish that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort.

Whether you are planning a weeknight dinner, a cozy family meal, or an impressive appetizer for guests, this baked shrimp recipe is versatile and guaranteed to win hearts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from the exact ingredients to step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and even serving ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 25 minutes, including prep and baking time.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples—garlic, lemon, butter, and shrimp.
Healthy Option: Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories.
Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or even served over pasta or rice.
Crowd-Pleaser: The flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter are universally loved.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp recipe, gather the following:

1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off as preferred)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle depth of flavor)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Place the cleaned shrimp in a mixing bowl. Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp and toss until each piece is well coated.

Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish

Spread the shrimp evenly in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. For the best flavor, pour any leftover butter mixture from the bowl over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overbake, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need 12–15 minutes in the oven.
Use fresh garlic. It gives the dish a stronger, fresher flavor compared to garlic powder.
Adjust the spice. If you prefer mild shrimp, skip the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra.
Frozen shrimp works too. Just thaw completely and pat dry before baking.

Variations to Try

Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the shrimp before baking for a cheesy, golden crust.
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern twist.
Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skewers: Instead of baking, skewer the shrimp and grill them for a smoky flavor.
Shrimp with Vegetables: Add sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal.

Serving Suggestions

Over Rice: Fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or wild rice pairs beautifully with the buttery sauce.
With Pasta: Toss the baked shrimp and garlic butter sauce with linguine or angel hair pasta.
On a Salad: Serve over a crisp green salad for a lighter option.
With Bread: Crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery garlic sauce.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Approximate, based on 4 servings

Calories: 250
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 450mg

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp recipe is proof that elegant, restaurant-quality meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or as part of a seafood feast, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.