Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp – A Flavor-Packed Classic

Introduction

Few recipes are as versatile, impressive, and downright delicious as Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp. With its tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic-lemon butter sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Seafood has long been a centerpiece of Mediterranean cooking, and this recipe reflects that tradition beautifully. The pairing of garlic, butter, and lemon is timeless—each ingredient enhancing the natural sweetness of shrimp. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pinch of seasoning, and you have a restaurant-quality meal straight from your oven.

What’s even better is that Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is endlessly adaptable. Serve it as a main dish with pasta or rice, as a light appetizer with crusty bread, or even as part of a holiday spread. The simplicity of the recipe means it never fails, yet the result always feels special.

Why This Recipe Works

At its heart, Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp succeeds because of balance:

Butter for richness – It coats the shrimp, creating a velvety texture and deep flavor.

Lemon for brightness – Freshly squeezed juice cuts through the richness and keeps the dish light.

Garlic for punch – Three cloves ensure boldness without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.

Paprika and Italian seasoning – These spices add warmth and depth, elevating the flavor profile.

Baking, not frying – The oven method ensures even cooking and seals in juices without extra oil.

Because of these elements, every bite of Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp feels both indulgent and refreshing—a combination that makes it universally appealing.

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juiced (plus extra slices for garnish)

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp Italian seasoning

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Optional add-ins:

Red pepper flakes (for heat)

Lemon zest (for extra citrus brightness)

Parmesan cheese (for added richness)

Equipment

Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)

Small mixing bowl

Whisk or spoon

Cutting board & knife

Measuring spoons

Oven or countertop toaster oven

Having these ready ensures that making Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is smooth and stress-free.

How To Make Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

This recipe is quick and straightforward. Here’s a breakdown:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you finish preparing the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Whisk until the sauce is smooth and aromatic.

This sauce is the foundation of Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp, so take care to balance the flavors.

Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish.

Pour the sauce evenly over the shrimp.

Season with salt and pepper.

Pro tip: Leaving the tails on makes for a prettier presentation, but you can remove them if you prefer ease of eating.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and curled into a “C” shape.

Avoid overcooking—they become rubbery if left too long.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley for freshness.

Garnish with lemon slices or wedges.

Optional: Add Parmesan or red pepper flakes for extra flair.

That’s it! In less than half an hour, you’ll have Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp that tastes like it came from a fine restaurant.

Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success

Use large shrimp – They bake evenly and stay juicy.

Fresh garlic is key – Skip pre-minced garlic for the best flavor.

Watch the bake time – Shrimp cook quickly; check at the 12-minute mark.

Enhance the sauce – Add a splash of white wine for more depth.

Lemon zest boost – Zest before juicing to maximize flavor.

Don’t overcrowd – Keep shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.

Serve hot – Shrimp taste best fresh out of the oven, not reheated.

Meal prep tip – You can prep the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Double the recipe – Hosting a crowd? This scales easily with a larger baking dish.

Leftovers – Store in the fridge up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid toughness.

Follow these, and you’ll master Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp every time.

How To Serve

Serving Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is as fun as making it. Present it directly in the baking dish for a rustic look, or plate the shrimp elegantly over pasta or grains.

For casual meals, pair it with garlic bread or a side salad. For formal dinners, arrange shrimp on individual plates, drizzled with the buttery sauce and garnished with parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ways to enjoy Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp:

Over linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil.

With a side of steamed rice or risotto to soak up the sauce.

As a light appetizer with toasted baguette slices.

Paired with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

On top of a fresh Caesar salad for a seafood twist.

Alongside grilled vegetables for a lighter meal.

The versatility of Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp makes it perfect for any occasion.

Time Required

One of the biggest advantages of this dish is its speed:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: ~220 per serving

In under half an hour, you can enjoy a satisfying, flavorful seafood dish without breaking a sweat.

Conclusion

Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a recipe that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With its golden baked shrimp, tangy lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic, this dish hits every flavor note—savory, bright, and satisfying.

It’s fast enough for busy weeknights but special enough for celebrations, adaptable to countless serving styles, and loved by seafood fans everywhere. Once you try it, Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp will become a regular star in your kitchen rotation.

So, whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or just treating yourself, remember: nothing beats the irresistible combination of shrimp, garlic, lemon, and butter baked to perfection.