Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp

This Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that showcases the bright and zesty flavors of lemon, combined with rich butter and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little melted butter.
2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the lemon butter mixture.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Avoid overcooking.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish the shrimp with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4. Prep time is 15 minutes, cooking time is 10-12 minutes, totaling about 25-27 minutes.

Variations & Tips

• Add Spice: For a kick, add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
• Veggies: Incorporate asparagus or broccoli for a complete meal in one dish.
• Substitute Shrimp: Use scallops or fish fillets as an alternative protein.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just thaw them before use.
2. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
   You can substitute with a mix of dried oregano and basil.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp mixture in advance and bake when ready.
4. How can I tell when the shrimp are done?
   They should be pink and opaque with a slight curl.
5. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
   Yes, olive oil will add a different flavor but works well.
6. What can I serve with this dish?
   Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad.
7. Can I bake this in a different dish?
   Yes, any oven-safe dish will work, but make sure it’s large enough.
8. How do I store leftovers?
   Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
9. Can I grill the shrimp instead?
   Absolutely! Just marinate them in the mixture and grill until cooked through.
10. Is this dish gluten-free?
    Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is a quick and easy dish that’s bursting with flavor. Its bright, zesty taste makes it a standout option for any seafood lover. Enjoy this delightful recipe as a main course that’s sure to impress!

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