Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

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Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp



Introduction to Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Looking for a dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor? Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is the answer! This delightful recipe brings together succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery lemon sauce, accented by garlic, paprika, and fresh herbs. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion from a casual weeknight dinner to a sophisticated meal for entertaining guests.

What makes this recipe truly special is its balance of bright and rich flavors. The tartness of the lemon cuts through the creamy butter, while the garlic and spices add just the right amount of depth and heat. Not only is it irresistibly tasty, but it’s also healthy and nutritious, offering plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals with every bite.

In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. So, let’s dive into this delightful dish and discover how easy it is to make Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish:

In a baking dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
Make the Lemon Butter Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated.
Add the Lemon Slices:

Arrange the lemon slices over the shrimp in the baking dish.
Bake the Shrimp:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes:

Serve over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cooking Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Kcal: Approx 300 | Servings: 4

History of Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a simple, elegant dish that draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, where seafood, fresh herbs, citrus, and olive oil are central ingredients. The combination of shrimp with a buttery lemon sauce reflects a traditional pairing that has long been popular in coastal regions of Italy, Greece, and France.

The origins of this dish can be traced back to classic European preparations of seafood with citrus and butter, which have been enjoyed for centuries. Lemon, in particular, has been a staple in Mediterranean cooking since its introduction to the region by Arab traders in the Middle Ages. It’s often used to brighten flavors, especially in dishes featuring rich ingredients like butter or olive oil.

The simplicity and speed of preparation make Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp a modern favorite in home kitchens around the world. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the ease and quick cooking of shrimp, a seafood prized for its tender texture and subtle flavor, with the tangy zest of lemon and the rich, comforting notes of butter and garlic. Paprika and red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat, adding complexity to this delicious recipe.

Over time, variations of this recipe have emerged, from adding Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to serving it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. However, the essence remains the same: a celebration of fresh, quality ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, satisfying meal in minutes.

Benefits of Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

  1. High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. With around 24 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, this dish is a fantastic choice for those looking to meet their daily protein needs.
  2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp provides essential nutrients, including selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. It also offers vitamins B12 and D, as well as minerals like zinc, iodine, and phosphorus, which are important for bone health, immune function, and energy production.
  3. Low in Calories and Carbohydrates: This recipe is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. Shrimp itself is low in fat and carbohydrates, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without worrying about excessive caloric intake.
  4. Heart-Healthy Fats: The butter in this recipe provides some saturated fat, but when combined with shrimp, which contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, it can help promote cardiovascular health. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.
  5. Digestive and Immune Health: Garlic and lemon, both key ingredients in this dish, are known for their numerous health benefits. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties that support the immune system, while lemon is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and aids digestion.
  6. Antioxidant Properties: The combination of fresh parsley, lemon, and paprika provides a variety of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
  7. Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a healthy weeknight dinner. Minimal cooking time helps preserve the nutrients in the ingredients, ensuring you get the maximum health benefits from each bite.
  8. Versatile and Customizable: Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp can be paired with various sides like whole grains, vegetables, or salads, allowing for a balanced and nutritious meal. The addition of different herbs, spices, or even vegetables can enhance the dish’s nutritional profile further.

By incorporating Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp into your diet, you enjoy a meal that is both flavorful and packed with essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being.

Nutrition Information for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp (per serving)

This nutritional estimate is based on 4 servings.

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 0.5g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 235mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Potassium: 220mg
  • Vitamin A: 25% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 30% of the DV
  • Calcium: 10% of the DV
  • Iron: 15% of the DV

Key Nutritional Highlights:

  1. High in Protein: Each serving provides 24 grams of protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
  2. Rich in Healthy Fats: While the butter adds fat, shrimp provides omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
  3. Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C (from lemon juice) for immune support and vitamin A (from paprika and parsley) for eye health. It also offers calcium and iron, essential for bone health and oxygen transport in the blood.
  4. Low in Carbohydrates: Makes it suitable for low-carb and keto diets.

This dish offers a balanced nutritional profile, with a good amount of protein and healthy fats while being relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a nutritious option for a variety of diets.

Conclusion for Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and nutrition in every bite. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, it brings together the freshness of shrimp, the tang of lemon, and the richness of butter in a harmonious blend that pleases the palate. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying meal that is both healthy and delicious.

Packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals, Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp supports overall well-being while being low in calories and carbohydrates. Its antioxidant-rich ingredients, like garlic, lemon, and paprika, enhance its health benefits, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a nourishing option for the body.

Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread, this versatile dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. With its easy preparation and vibrant flavors, Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create a delicious, wholesome meal that everyone will love.

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