Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Close-up of cooked shrimp served on top of salad with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, tossed in dressing and served in a patterned bowl.

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When time is short, but flavor still matters, this lemon-garlic butter shrimp delivers. Juicy shrimp are quickly seared, tossed in garlicky butter and fresh lemon, and ready to serve in under 10 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Total Time15

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Keyword: Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp, grilled shrimp, Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Servings:

Author: Lama

Ingredients

1 pound Pre-cooked shrimp thawed (tails on or off)
1 tablespoon Olive oil
2½ tablespoons Unsalted butter
3 Garlic cloves crushed or minced
½ Lemon juice of
1 teaspoon Seafood seasoning or Old Bay to taste
Chopped parsley optional
Lemon slices optional

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Lower the heat slightly to medium, then add the olive oil.
Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for about 30 seconds per side.
Once you flip the shrimp, lower the heat, then add the butter and garlic.
As soon as the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, turn off the heat.
Spoon the garlic-butter sauce over the shrimp for a few seconds.
Add the lemon juice, toss gently, and remove shrimp immediately.
Total cook time is about 1 minute per side max. Remember that the shrimp are already cooked.
Serve immediately over a fresh chopped salad. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon if desired.

Notes

Pat the shrimp dry: Dry shrimp sear beautifully and develop better flavor. Moist shrimp will steam instead of sauté.

Don’t overcook: Since the shrimp are already cooked, they only need a quick sear. About 30–60 seconds per side is enough to warm them through and keep them tender.

Lower the heat before adding butter: This prevents the butter and garlic from burning, keeping the sauce smooth and flavorful.

Add lemon at the end: Stir in the lemon juice after turning off the heat to preserve its fresh, bright flavor and avoid bitterness.

Use a wide skillet: Cooking the shrimp in a single layer helps them heat evenly and prevents overcrowding.

Taste before serving: Adjust seasoning at the very end since seafood seasoning and butter can vary in saltiness.

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