There's nothing quite like the combination of juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter, and zesty lemon to create a meal that’s both elegant and easy. This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
I first made this dish for a last-minute dinner party, and it was an instant hit. The buttery sauce, infused with fresh garlic and bright citrus, pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp, creating a dish that disappears as fast as it hits the table. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a standalone appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You'll Love This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious. This baked shrimp recipe brings bold flavors together in the easiest way possible.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. In just 20 minutes, you can have a full meal ready to serve, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or unexpected guests.
The garlic lemon butter sauce is irresistible. Melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of spice coat each shrimp in a luscious sauce that begs to be sopped up with bread or drizzled over pasta.
It’s also a one-pan wonder. Everything comes together in a single baking dish, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
And let’s not forget the versatility. This recipe works as a main dish, an appetizer, or even a topping for salads and grain bowls.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays an important role in making this dish shine.
Shrimp – Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw and pat them dry to ensure they bake evenly.
Butter – The heart of the sauce, unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning while adding rich, silky texture. If you only have salted butter, just adjust the added salt accordingly.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-minced garlic can work, but the taste won’t be quite as vibrant.
Lemon juice – Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, freshest flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be too acidic and lack the fresh citrus notes that make this dish sing.
Red pepper flakes – Just a pinch adds the perfect hint of heat. Feel free to adjust based on your spice preference, or omit if serving to those who prefer milder flavors.
Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end brings color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the butter sauce.
If you have a cast iron skillet or a baking dish, it works best to ensure even cooking and retain the heat for serving.
How To Make This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

This dish comes together so quickly that you’ll barely have time to set the table before it’s ready to eat.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your shrimp by patting them dry with a paper towel—this helps them roast beautifully rather than steam.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter, then stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each one is coated. If you like a bit of extra richness, dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Bake the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook fast, and just a minute too long can make them rubbery.
Once done, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. For an extra punch of citrus, serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.
The whole process takes under 20 minutes, making this a go-to for quick, flavorful meals.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since shrimp can become rubbery when reheated, it’s best to warm them gently.
To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or a splash of water to keep them from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp tough.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to a month, but the texture may slightly change after thawing.
Variations and Substitutions
This dish is already simple and flavorful, but a few tweaks can make it suit different tastes and dietary needs.
For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Want more herb flavor? Try adding fresh thyme, basil, or oregano for an aromatic twist.
If you prefer a richer sauce, mix in a splash of white wine or chicken broth with the melted butter for added depth of flavor.
For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or bread.
And if you love a crispy texture, toss the shrimp in a bit of panko breadcrumbs before baking for a light, crunchy coating.
No matter how you serve it, this Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a foolproof way to bring gourmet flavors to your dinner table in minutes. Enjoy!
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Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This baked shrimp with garlic lemon butter sauce is a quick and delicious seafood recipe. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a flavorful garlic, lemon, and butter sauce, then baked to perfection. It's a perfect dish for an easy dinner or a gourmet appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place shrimp in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp, tossing to coat evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed) for best results.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
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