Indulge in the deliciousness of Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet! This quick and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with rich garlic, zesty lemon, and fresh spinach for a mouthwatering dish ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this skillet meal will impress anyone at your table.
1 pound large shrimp, meticulously peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
Zest from 1 vibrant lemon
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your heat preference)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
![To make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest from 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach These ingredients come together to create a bright and flavorful dish. The shrimp add protein, while the butter and garlic create a rich base. Lemon zest and juice add a refreshing zing. Red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of heat, and the veggies provide color and texture. Using fresh parsley not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely touch to your dish. I recommend using high-quality shrimp for the best results. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process. To make the shrimp shine, start with drying them. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This helps the shrimp sear nicely. Next, season them well with salt and black pepper. This step is key. Good seasoning brings out the shrimp’s natural flavor. Now, let’s melt the butter. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Watch it carefully. You want it to melt but not brown. If it browns, it can change the dish’s taste. Once the butter is melted, it’s garlic time! Add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it often for about a minute. You want it to smell great, not burn. Burnt garlic can ruin the dish, adding bitterness instead of flavor. Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes. They should be opaque and fully cooked. Now we add the tomatoes and spinach. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Stir gently for about 2 minutes. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. To brighten the dish, add lemon zest and juice. Lower the heat a bit and stir in the remaining butter. Mix in red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Let it all simmer for a minute. This melds the flavors beautifully. You can find the full recipe in the previous section. To get that perfect shrimp texture, you want to start with dry shrimp. Pat them with paper towels before seasoning. This helps them sear better. Cook them quickly over medium-high heat. This keeps them juicy and tender. For added flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and lemon make a big difference. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. This lets you control the heat level. If you want more flavor, try adding a splash of white wine after cooking the shrimp. It adds depth and a nice touch. For a rustic look, serve the shrimp in the skillet. This gives a homey feel. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. The bright colors make it eye-catching. For a more polished plate, spoon the shrimp onto a white plate. Add a side of crusty bread for dipping. You could also serve it over fluffy rice. This adds substance and balances the dish. Make sure to drizzle some of that tasty sauce over everything. It ties the meal together beautifully. {{image_4}} You can easily change up this dish with different veggies. Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra color and flavor. If you want less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them out. You can also use a pinch of paprika for a mild spice that adds depth. For gluten-free and dairy-free options, swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use a dairy-free butter substitute if you prefer. If you are watching carbs, serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps the dish light but still very tasty. To enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp again, heat it gently. The best methods are: - Stovetop: Place the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir frequently until heated through. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until warm. To avoid a rubbery texture, do not overheat. Shrimp cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. If you have leftovers, freezing is a great option. To freeze shrimp properly: 1. Cool Down: Let the shrimp cool completely before freezing. 2. Seal: Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. 3. Label: Write the date on the container. This helps track how long it’s been in the freezer. For thawing, move the shrimp to the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, place the bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. Avoid using hot water as it can cook the shrimp. Follow these tips to keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp tasty and fresh! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. How to know when shrimp are fully cooked? Shrimp cook quickly. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. The tails curl slightly as they cook. If you cut one open, it should be white inside, not translucent. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This keeps them juicy and tasty. What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet? This dish pairs well with rice or pasta. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad or steamed veggies make great sides too. How to make it ahead of time? You can prep the shrimp and veggies a few hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge. When you're ready, cook everything in the skillet. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to finish. Can I add other proteins to the skillet? Absolutely! You can add chicken or scallops. Just make sure to cook them longer for safety. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. This way, you can enjoy different flavors in one dish. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet. We went over the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations and storage options, too. Remember, cooking is not just about the recipe. It's also about enjoying the process. Whether you follow the exact steps or make your own tweaks, have fun with it! I hope you try this dish soon and make it your own.](https://yumymoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/3451ea3b-6e1f-4d53-b1a8-9729c245a3ee-250x250.webp)