How to Make the Perfect Lemon Butter Shrimp Skillet
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
Plump shrimp seared in a rich lemon butter sauce with garlic and fresh herbs in one skillet. This elegant yet simple dish comes together in under 20 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Butter Shrimp Skillet recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 whole lemon zested and juiced
- 0.25 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Dry shrimp sear much better than wet shrimp.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foamy. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Do not overcook. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine or broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 4: Simmer and Combine
Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces slightly. Add the lemon zest and stir to combine. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dry white wine → chicken broth or vegetable broth
- fresh parsley → fresh chives or basil
- unsalted butter → ghee or dairy-free butter
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking wet shrimp which causes steaming instead of searing
- Overcooking the shrimp past the point when they curl into a C shape
- Adding garlic to a very hot pan which causes it to burn and turn bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 28g protein, 4g carbs, 17g fat, 0g fiber.
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