Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

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Lemon ButterLemon Butter Baked Shrimp Baked Shrimp

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

This recipe is simple, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of butter, garlic, lemon, and Italian seasoning creates a rich and zesty sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, cleaned, peeled, and deveined
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet Good Seasons Italian all-natural dressing mix
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Optional Additions:

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a slightly smoky flavor
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest for extra citrus brightness
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder for additional depth
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, slightly salty finish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp:
    Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them absorb the seasonings better and prevent them from becoming watery during baking.
  3. Make the Butter Mixture:
    In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning mix, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
  4. Coat the Shrimp:
    Place the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the shrimp, tossing gently to coat them evenly. Arrange the thin lemon slices over the shrimp.
  5. Bake the Shrimp:
    Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.
  6. Add the Final Touches:
    Remove the shrimp from the oven and immediately squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the dish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and, if desired, a little grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • Use fresh shrimp if possible. While frozen shrimp can work, fresh shrimp have a slightly firmer texture and better flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking.
  • Watch the cooking time. Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking will make them tough. Remove them from the oven as soon as they turn opaque.
  • Melt the butter gently. If the butter is too hot, it can cook the garlic too quickly, making it bitter. Melt it over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave.

Variations

  • Spicy Cajun Version: Replace the Italian seasoning mix with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for a bold, slightly smoky kick.
  • Garlic Herb Version: Swap the Italian dressing mix for a blend of fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a more herbaceous flavor.
  • Parmesan Crusted Shrimp: Before baking, sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp for a cheesy, slightly crispy topping.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add a handful of cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives before baking for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Serving Suggestions

  • With pasta: Serve the shrimp and its buttery lemon sauce over a bed of cooked linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. Toss the pasta with a bit of the sauce to coat it evenly.
  • With rice: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over a bowl of fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or garlic butter rice.
  • With crusty bread: Serve with a side of toasted garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • With roasted vegetables: Pair the shrimp with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for a well-rounded meal.
  • With a salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the butter sauce.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
  • Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to one month. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving.

Conclusion

This lemon butter baked shrimp recipe is simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread, it’s a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. The combination of butter, garlic, lemon, and Italian seasoning creates a perfect balance of richness and freshness. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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