When weeknights hit and you’re staring down a hungry family (or just yourself!), the last thing you want is a complicated meal. I used to panic, but then I discovered the magic of this Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet. Trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver! It comes together in literally minutes, tastes like something fancy you’d get at a restaurant, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s my go-to when I need dinner on the table pronto, and it always gets rave reviews!

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

This shrimp skillet is a total game-changer, and here’s why:

Super Speedy: Seriously, dinner is on the table in about 20 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for those crazy weeknights!
Packed with Flavor: That combo of bright lemon, punchy garlic, and rich butter? It’s pure magic. Your taste buds will thank you.
So Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef for this one. The steps are simple, and it all happens in one skillet. Less cleanup is always a win!
Incredibly Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or just some crusty bread for dipping. It’s a dish that adapts to whatever you have in your pantry.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet

Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! For this amazing Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet, you’ll want to have these goodies ready. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything down to the ounce; cooking is forgiving! Just have fun with it.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1.5 pounds of large shrimp, already peeled and deveined – saves so much time!
2 tablespoons of good olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced super fine – fresh is best here!
1/4 cup of butter (yep, the real stuff makes a difference!)
1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice – squeeze it yourself for the brightest flavor
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley – it adds that lovely fresh green color and taste
1/2 teaspoon of salt – or to your liking
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper – freshly ground is always a treat

Simple Steps to Make Your Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Okay, follow along with me, this part is so easy! You’ll have a restaurant-worthy shrimp dish before you know it. Grab your biggest skillet because we’re going to make some magic happen.

First things first, get that skillet going over medium-high heat. Pour in your olive oil. You want it nice and hot, but not smoking – just shimmering a bit.
Now, toss in your shrimp! Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they get rubbery! Once they’re perfect, scoop ’em out and set ’em aside for a minute.
Lower the heat a touch if needed, and add that butter to the same skillet. Let it melt and get all bubbly.
Toss in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! Stir it around for just about 1 minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it – burnt garlic is no fun.
Pour in the fresh lemon juice – watch for a little sizzle! Then stir in your salt and pepper. Give it a good whisk to combine everything into a yummy sauce.
Now, bring those beautiful cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss them gently to coat them in that glorious lemon-garlic butter sauce. Let them warm through for just another minute or so. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a great time to sneak in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Visit our grilled shrimp recipe for more ideas, or check out this lovely lemon garlic tilapia for another quick seafood win!

And that’s it! Serve your Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp immediately. It’s best enjoyed hot right out of the pan.

Tips for the Perfect Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet

You’ve made it this far, and your shrimp skillet is going to be amazing! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure it’s absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me, these small things make a big difference!

Choose the Right Shrimp

For this dish, I always go for large or jumbo shrimp. They have a great texture and are less likely to overcook into little rubber bullets. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re completely thawed and patted *really* dry before they hit the pan. Water is the enemy of a good sear!

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp!

This is probably the most important tip. Shrimp cook incredibly fast! Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. If you cook them much longer, they’ll become tough and chewy. I usually cook them just until they’re *almost* done, then let them finish warming through in the sauce. It sounds a little counterintuitive, but it works wonders. Check out this grilled shrimp recipe for more tips on handling shrimp perfectly.

Taste and Adjust

Garlic and lemon are starring players here, but your salt and pepper can make or break the sauce. Before you return the shrimp to the pan, take a little taste of the sauce. Does it need more salt? A brighter lemon kick? Maybe a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy? Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking! That’s the beauty of cooking at home.

Get That Sauce Right

The sauce is where all the flavor lives! Make sure you let the garlic get fragrant in the butter before adding the lemon juice. And don’t rush returning the shrimp; letting the sauce simmer for just a minute helps it thicken slightly and mellow out. When you toss the shrimp in, make sure they’re fully coated so every single bite is packed with that irresistible lemon-garlic goodness.

Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp Skillet

This lemon garlic shrimp is so good, you’ll want to make sure you have something delicious to soak up all that amazing sauce! My favorite way is with some warm, crusty bread – you know, for dipping! It’s also fantastic tossed with a creamy pasta, served over fluffy rice, or even just with a big, fresh green salad on the side. Seriously, the possibilities are endless and all delicious!

For a real treat, try pairing it with our garlic breadsticks which are perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce, or whip up a batch of our potato salad for a more hearty meal. You can’t go wrong!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat ingredients for a sec! The beauty of this lemon garlic shrimp skillet is how forgiving it is. When it comes to the shrimp, I always grab large or jumbo ones because they have a great texture and don’t cook to oblivion in 3.2 seconds like tiny ones can. If you can only find frozen, just make sure they’re thawed completely and patted *super* dry. Water is the enemy of a good pan sear!

Fresh parsley is really my preference here for that bright, fresh flavor and gorgeous green flecks. But if you’re all out, a little bit of dried parsley (maybe a teaspoon or so) can work in a pinch. Just know the fresh stuff is really where it’s at for that vibrant pop!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Got questions about whipping up this tasty shrimp? I’ve got you covered! It’s a pretty straightforward recipe, but sometimes little things really help make it perfect, or you might just be curious about swaps. Here are some common things people ask:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is totally fine. Just make sure you thaw them completely first. The best way is to put them in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush, you can also thaw them in a colander under cold running water, but then you *must* pat them super dry with paper towels before they go into the skillet. This helps them get a nice sear instead of steaming!

How can I make this lemon garlic shrimp a little spicier?

Oh, you want a kick? I love that! It’s so easy to add some heat to this dish. Before you add the shrimp back into the sauce at the end, just toss in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes right along with the garlic and lemon juice. You can also add a little bit of cayenne pepper if that’s what you have on hand. Start small, taste, and add more if you dare!

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley really does add a lovely brightness and beautiful green color to this shrimp skillet. However, if you’re out, don’t stress! You can use dried parsley, but you’ll need less. Start with about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley added with the garlic. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant as fresh, but it will still be tasty!

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

This is probably the biggest tip for shrimp! Shrimp cook SO fast. You want them to be pink and opaque, not tough and rubbery. I usually cook them just until they’re *almost* done in the first step, then pull them out. Returning them to the warm sauce at the end finishes the cooking without overdoing it. Keep an eye on them – it happens quicker than you think!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate for one serving of this delicious Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet. Things can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use or if you add anything extra. It’s a pretty healthy dish though, packed with protein and good fats!

Keep in mind, this is a general guide:

Serving Size: About 4 oz
Calories: Around 250
Protein: About 25g
Fat: Roughly 15g
Carbohydrates: Around 5g
Sugar: Just 2g
Sodium: Approximately 500mg

Irresistible Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful shrimp dish perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
Add butter to the skillet and melt.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 oz
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, shrimp skillet, quick shrimp recipe, easy seafood, weeknight dinner