Lemon Garlic Shrimp: A Bright and Flavorful One-Pan Delight
This bright and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick and easy one-skillet dinner ready in under 20 minutes. Made with fresh lemon, garlic, butter, and wine, it's perfect over pasta or with crusty bread.
If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and impressive dish that brings bold flavors with minimal effort, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is your new go-to. Made in one skillet in under 20 minutes, this dish is light, zesty, and bursting with garlicky goodness. Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting guests, or need a dish to complement pasta or crusty bread, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: Minimal prep with maximum citrus-garlic flavor.
Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, on a salad, or as an appetizer.
Healthy & Light: A low-carb, protein-packed option with bright Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredient Breakdown
2 Tbsp. Butter (divided)
Butter adds richness and helps brown the shrimp slightly for added flavor. Using part at the beginning and part at the end balances flavor and texture.
1 Tbsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil provides healthy fats and helps the butter cook without burning, adding depth to the dish.
1 lb. Medium Shrimp (peeled & deveined)
Shrimp cook quickly and absorb flavors easily. Medium shrimp are perfect for bite-sized pieces that cook evenly. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work well.
1 Lemon (thinly sliced) + Juice of 1 Lemon
Lemon slices caramelize slightly in the skillet for beautiful presentation and added brightness, while lemon juice at the end brings out a fresh, tangy flavor.
3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
Garlic adds bold, savory depth. Use freshly minced garlic for the best taste.
1 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
For a gentle kick of heat that balances the citrus and garlic.
Kosher Salt (to taste)
Brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp and other ingredients.
2 Tbsp. Dry White Wine (or water)
Deglazes the pan, lifting all the delicious browned bits. Adds subtle acidity. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well.
Freshly Chopped Parsley (for garnish)
A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil. Add the shrimp, lemon slices, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt.
Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Step 2: Finish with Flavor
Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, fresh lemon juice, and white wine. Mix well to coat everything in the pan sauce.
Step 3: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Over angel hair or linguine pasta with a drizzle of the pan sauce.
With warm crusty bread to soak up the garlicky lemon sauce.
Over white rice, couscous, or quinoa.
Tossed into a fresh salad with arugula or spinach.
Served cold over crostini for an elegant appetizer.
Tips for Success
Don't Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon and garlic make all the difference.
Deglaze the Right Way: Adding wine (or water) after cooking helps lift flavor-packed bits from the skillet.
Customize the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
Cook in Batches: If doubling the recipe, cook shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.
Why You'll Come Back to This Recipe
This is the kind of dish that feels restaurant-quality but takes less time than takeout. It’s elegant, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a light lunch, or a weeknight meal, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp delivers every time.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp
This bright and flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick and easy one-skillet dinner ready in under 20 minutes. Made with fresh lemon, garlic, butter, and wine, it's perfect over pasta or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter, divided
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 Tbsp. dry white wine (or water)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp. butter and olive oil. Add shrimp, lemon slices, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter, le
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Enjoy this flavorful and easy shrimp dish any night of the week!
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