Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce

Juicy • Buttery • Bright • Ready in 20 Minutes

Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is an easy yet elegant seafood dish that feels restaurant-quality but comes together with minimal effort. Plump shrimp bake gently in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and herbs, creating a bright, savory flavor that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ready in under 25 minutes
✔ Simple ingredients
✔ Light yet flavorful
✔ Perfect for entertaining
✔ Naturally low-carb & high-protein

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 ½ lbs (700g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
Zest of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)

Optional add-ins:

¼ cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon capers
Extra lemon slices for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

Melted butter
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Salt
Pepper
Red pepper flakes

If using white wine, add it now.

3️⃣ Arrange the Shrimp

Place shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish.

Pour lemon butter mixture evenly over shrimp.

Sprinkle Parmesan on top if using.

4️⃣ Bake

Bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on shrimp size.

Shrimp are done when:

They turn pink
They curl slightly
They are opaque throughout

Avoid overcooking — shrimp cook quickly.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Flavor & Texture

Juicy, tender shrimp
Rich buttery sauce
Bright citrus notes
Light garlic aroma
Slight heat if using chili flakes

The lemon balances the butter perfectly, creating a fresh yet comforting dish.

Best Side Dishes

Angel hair pasta
Garlic rice
Mashed potatoes
Steamed asparagus
Crusty artisan bread

Variations

Creamy Lemon Shrimp

Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce before baking.

Mediterranean Style

Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta after baking.

Spicy Version

Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Keto-Friendly

Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers up to 2 days in refrigerator
Reheat gently (avoid overcooking)
Not ideal for freezing

Pro Tips

✔ Pat shrimp dry before baking
✔ Use fresh lemon for best flavor
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan
✔ Serve immediately for best texture

Final Thoughts

Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is bright, buttery, and beautifully simple. It’s a foolproof seafood dish that looks impressive but requires very little effort — perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Baked Shrimp in lemon butter sauce