Sheet-Pan

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Name: Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

By Felix Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Sheet-Pan

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total30 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Lemon Garlic Shrimp for my family. It was a weeknight, and I needed something quick, flavorful, and healthy. This dish has since become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or as a topping for a salad. It's also perfect for meal prep, as it stores and reheats well.

In this article, I'll walk you through the steps to make Lemon Garlic Shrimp, sharing tips and techniques to ensure your dish turns out delicious and flavorful. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

So, what makes this recipe special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward. The dish is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the amount of garlic and lemon to your taste.

As a busy home cook, I appreciate recipes that can be made ahead of time. This dish fits the bill, as it can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the amount of garlic and lemon to your taste.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp is perfect for meal prep, as it stores and reheats well.
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, including rice, pasta, and salads.
The dish is healthy and flavorful, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
The recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy home cooks.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe's success lies in the balance of flavors and the cooking technique. The lemon and garlic create a bright, citrusy flavor profile that complements the richness of the shrimp. By cooking the shrimp quickly over high heat, we achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatics. The garlic and lemon zest add depth and complexity to the dish, while the parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous note. By sautéing these ingredients in butter, we create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By allowing the shrimp to rest for a few minutes after cooking, we ensure that the juices are redistributed, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to ingredients, it's all about using high-quality components that will enhance the flavor of the dish. For this recipe, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including shrimp, garlic, lemon, and parsley. Be sure to choose fresh, sustainably sourced shrimp for the best flavor and texture.

In addition to the main ingredients, you'll also need some pantry staples, such as butter, salt, and pepper. Don't be afraid to get creative with the recipe and add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedFresh, sustainably sourced shrimp is essential for this recipe. Look for shrimp that have been frozen at sea to preserve their flavor and texture.
4 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key component of this recipe, adding a rich, depth of flavor to the dish. Use high-quality, fresh garlic for the best results.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceFresh lemon juice is essential for this recipe, as it adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it can be too acidic and overpowering.
1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softenedButter is used to add richness and flavor to the dish. Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best results.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. Use curly-leaf parsley for the best flavor and texture.
1 teaspoon saltSalt is used to enhance the flavor of the dish. Use high-quality, flaky sea salt for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is used to add depth and complexity to the dish. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is used to add moisture and flavor to the dish. Use high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil for the best results.
1 lemon, cut into wedgesLemon wedges are used as a garnish and to add a burst of citrus flavor to the dish. Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the best results.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakesRed pepper flakes are used to add a touch of heat to the dish. Use high-quality, crushed red pepper flakes for the best results.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan with a heavy bottomTongs or slotted spoonInstant-read thermometerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp

1
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the shrimp to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the shrimp.
5
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
6
Reduce the heat to medium and add the softened butter to the pan. Once melted, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir to combine.
7
Add the chopped parsley to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8
Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them in the lemon garlic sauce to coat.
9
Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
10
Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with lemon wedges and additional parsley if desired.
11
Allow the shrimp to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, to ensure that the juices are redistributed and the shrimp are tender and flavorful.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Add the garlic to the pan before the shrimp, to prevent it from burning.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the shrimp reach a safe internal temperature.
Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear.
Add the lemon juice to the pan after the shrimp have been removed, to prevent it from cooking off and losing its flavor.
Toss the shrimp in the lemon garlic sauce to coat, to ensure that they are evenly flavored.
Season the shrimp to taste, to ensure that they are flavorful and well-balanced.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using a thermometer, which can result in undercooked or overcooked shrimp.
Adding too much garlic, which can overpower the dish.
Not using fresh, high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lackluster flavor and texture.
Overcrowding the pan, which can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear.
Not allowing the shrimp to rest, which can result in a lack of juiciness and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or onions to the pan with the garlic, for added flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, for a unique flavor profile.
Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce, for an extra kick of heat.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or scallops, for a variation on the recipe.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, for added flavor and freshness.
Serve the shrimp with a side of rice or pasta, for a filling and satisfying meal.

What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, including rice, pasta, and salads. Try serving it with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables, for a filling and satisfying meal.

The shrimp can also be served as a topping for a salad, or as a protein source for a bowl meal. Simply add your favorite ingredients, such as mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado, and you've got a healthy and delicious meal.

Serve with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetablesUse as a topping for a salad or bowl mealServe with a side of rice or pastaAdd to a stir-fry or skillet dinner

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, simply place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, simply thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator, or reheat them in the microwave or oven. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

When reheating, you can add a little bit of water or lemon juice to the pan, to help keep the shrimp moist and flavorful. Simply heat the shrimp over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of shrimp you like, but larger shrimp tend to work best for this recipe. Look for shrimp that have been frozen at sea to preserve their flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and rubbery?

To prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and rubbery, be sure to not overcook them. Use a thermometer to ensure that they reach a safe internal temperature, and don't overcrowd the pan.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the shrimp and sauce, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. Reheat the shrimp over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and ready to serve.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, including rice, pasta, and salads. Try serving it with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables, for a filling and satisfying meal.

Can I use different types of protein for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of protein for this recipe. Try using chicken, scallops, or tofu for a variation on the recipe.

How do I store and reheat the shrimp?

To store the shrimp, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze. To reheat, simply thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator, or reheat them in the microwave or oven. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

What is the best way to cook the shrimp?

The best way to cook the shrimp is to sauté them in a pan with some oil and garlic, until they are pink and cooked through. Use a thermometer to ensure that they reach a safe internal temperature.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish. Try adding some diced bell peppers or onions, or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

The Full Recipe

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