Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe
recipe guide for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp, including its introduction, ingredients, instructions, methods, history, benefits, formation, conclusion, lovers, nutrition information, and some helpful tips (conseils). Let’s dive into this big recipe format, perfect for a delicious and easy seafood mea
Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a mouthwatering seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple yet elegant recipe combines tender shrimp with a rich lemon butter sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. The dish is easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It’s loved for its bright, tangy taste paired with the succulent, buttery shrimp that practically melts in your mouth.
History of Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp
This dish has its roots in Mediterranean and coastal cuisines, where seafood is abundant, and simple, fresh ingredients like lemon and butter are celebrated. The combination of lemon and butter is a classic pairing used to enhance the natural sweetness of shrimp, creating a luxurious yet uncomplicated dish. Over time, this dish has evolved into a favorite in many households due to its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions and Methods
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them bake evenly and prevents them from getting soggy.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Arrange the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the shrimp, ensuring each one is well coated.
- Bake the Shrimp: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Formation
- Layering: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Overlapping can result in uneven texture and flavor distribution.
- Basting: Halfway through baking, gently stir or baste the shrimp with the lemon butter sauce for extra flavor absorption.
Benefits
- High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp provides selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and immune support.
- Low in Calories: This dish is low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those watching their weight.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Lemon and garlic have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall wellness.
Lovers of Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp
This dish is adored by seafood lovers who appreciate a balance of rich buttery flavor with a refreshing citrus tang. It’s perfect for those who love quick, light, and flavorful meals that don’t compromise on taste. Fans of Mediterranean cuisine and those who enjoy simple yet elegant dishes often find this recipe irresistible.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
Here’s the detailed nutritional breakdown for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp. The values are approximate and based on one serving (assuming the recipe serves four). Keep in mind that the actual values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 0.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Vitamin A: 8% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 15% of DV
- Calcium: 6% of DV
- Iron: 10% of DV
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 300mg
Nutritional Benefits
- High Protein: The shrimp provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Healthy Fats: Contains beneficial fats from the butter, especially when balanced with unsaturated fats, contributing to heart health.
- Low Carbs: A great option for those following low-carb or keto diets.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The shrimp is high in selenium, a powerful antioxidant, along with essential vitamins like B12.
- Good Source of Omega-3: Helps support heart and brain health.
Benefits of Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp
- Rich in High-Quality Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. This dish provides a significant protein boost without the excess calories found in other protein-rich foods.
- Supports Heart Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in shrimp, combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of garlic and the antioxidants in lemon, contribute to better heart health by reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and improving overall cardiovascular function.
- Packed with Essential Nutrients: Shrimp is rich in vitamins and minerals, including selenium (an antioxidant that boosts the immune system), iodine (important for thyroid function), vitamin B12 (crucial for nerve health), and zinc (important for immune response and wound healing).
- Low in Calories and Carbs: This dish is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great option for weight management and low-carb diets like keto and paleo. It’s light yet satisfying, which helps keep you full without the added guilt.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Lemon juice, zest, and garlic contain powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and promoting overall wellness.
- Boosts Immune System: The combination of vitamin C from lemon and the immune-boosting properties of garlic helps to strengthen the body’s defenses, making it beneficial, especially during cold and flu season.
- Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair: The antioxidants in shrimp, along with vitamins and minerals, promote healthy skin and hair by protecting against cellular damage and supporting collagen production.
- Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe’s simplicity makes it a great go-to for busy days. It’s quick to prepare and cook, allowing you to enjoy a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp can be served in various ways—over pasta, rice, or salad, or simply as a stand-alone dish. This versatility means it can fit into different dietary preferences and meal plans.
- Mood-Boosting: The omega-3s and B vitamins in shrimp are known to support brain health and can improve mood and cognitive function, making this dish not only great for your body but also beneficial for mental well-being.
Enjoy the myriad health benefits of this delightful and nutritious Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp, making it not just a meal but a nourishing experience!
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience of flavors and textures that showcases the beauty of simplicity in cooking. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a seafood spread, this recipe is sure to impress. Its quick preparation and exquisite taste make it a go-to dish for many home cooks and seafood enthusiasts alike.
Tips and Conseil
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, lemon juice, and garlic make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Experiment with Add-Ons: Add a splash of white wine or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for extra depth.
Lovers’ Feedback
Many lovers of this dish praise its simplicity and vibrant flavor, often noting how it becomes a staple in their weekly meal rotation. It’s celebrated for being light yet satisfying and for bringing a restaurant-quality meal to the home kitchen effortlessly.
Enjoy this delectable Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp, and savor every bite of this tangy, buttery delight!