Lemon Butter Shrimp

This lemon butter shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that brings out the best in simple ingredients. Shrimp cooked in a buttery, lemony sauce make for a perfect weeknight meal or a dinner that feels a bit special. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to make the most of the delicious sauce!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Servings:

Calories: 193kcal

Author: Sandra

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter divided
4 garlic cloves minced
1-2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tablespoons
Zest of 1 lemon optional, for extra flavor
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to help with searing, then season with salt and black pepper (Note 1).
1 lb large shrimp
Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
1 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp butter, 4 garlic cloves
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque (Note 2).
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
1-2 cups baby spinach
Return the shrimp to the skillet and squeeze the lemon juice over the top. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Stir until the butter melts and forms a sauce. For a stronger lemon flavor, you can also add lemon zest at this point (Note 3).
Juice of 1 lemon, Zest of 1 lemon
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve over cooked rice or pasta. Drizzle any extra sauce over the shrimp and sides for added flavor (Note 4).
Salt and black pepper, Fresh parsley

Notes

Patting the shrimp dry removes excess moisture, helping them sear instead of steam.
Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Look for them to turn pink and opaque, a sign they’re ready.
Lemon zest adds flavor. Add it sparingly if you prefer a milder flavor or leave it out if you don't want as much lemon flavor.
This shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a crusty bread that can soak up the flavorful sauce.

Nutrition