Sautéed Lemon-Garlic Shrimp 🍋🧄 Fresh, Fast, and Buttery With a Bright Citrus Kick

Sautéed Lemon-Garlic Shrimp is the perfect high-reward, low-effort dish. It’s pan-seared shrimp coated in sizzling garlic butter, finished with a pop of lemon and herbs.

No marinades, no breading — just sharp, clean flavor that hits fast and leaves nothing behind but an empty plate.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• Zest of 1 lemon + juice of ½
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (for finish)
• Optional: 1 tbsp dry white wine or splash of broth

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté Hot and Fast

1. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
3. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Lower heat to medium. Add a bit more butter/oil if needed.
2. Sauté garlic (and optional chili flakes) for 30 seconds — don’t brown it.
3. Deglaze pan with lemon juice and a splash of wine or broth if using. Simmer 30 seconds.

Step 4: Toss & Finish

1. Return shrimp to pan and toss to coat in sauce.
2. Add lemon zest and parsley.
3. Serve immediately — hot and glistening.

Flavor Variations

• Lemon-Herb Butter Shrimp – Finish with thyme or tarragon
• Garlic-Lime Shrimp – Use lime instead of lemon, add cumin or cilantro
• Smoky Paprika Shrimp – Add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the garlic
• Chili-Garlic Shrimp – Add sambal or chili crisp for heat and depth

Serving Ideas

• Over angel hair pasta or orzo
• With crusty bread to soak up the sauce
• As a taco filling with slaw and avocado
• Over grilled veggies or salad greens
• With rice and a dollop of garlicky yogurt sauce

Pro Tips

• Use raw, tail-on shrimp for best texture and presentation
• Don’t overcook — shrimp should just curl and go pink
• Add lemon zest last to keep flavor bright and aromatic
• Want it richer? Swirl in a final tablespoon of cold butter before serving

Final Thoughts

Sautéed Lemon-Garlic Shrimp is what happens when simplicity meets fire — fast, fresh, and built around bold flavor with minimal effort. A skillet, a squeeze, and a sear is all you need.

Pan hot. Shrimp fast. Citrus loud. 🍋🧄🔥

🍤 Explore More Great Shrimp Recipes

Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed — these shrimp recipes cover every cooking style, from smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re going classic or bold, there’s a method for your menu.

🔥 Grilled Shrimp – Lightly charred and perfectly seasoned over open flame.
🍤 Fried Shrimp – Crispy, golden, and straight-up irresistible.
🔥 Baked Shrimp Scampi – Oven-baked in garlicky butter and white wine.
🍽️ Air-Fried Shrimp – Crunchy texture with less oil and no mess.
🥢 Stir-Fried Shrimp – Quick wok-seared shrimp with bold flavors.
🍋 Sautéed Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Bright, buttery, and ready in minutes.
🍷 Shrimp Scampi – Classic stovetop scampi in a silky garlic-wine sauce.
🌶️ Cajun-Style Shrimp – Spicy, smoky, Southern-style perfection.
🧄 Butter Garlic Shrimp – Simple, rich, and loaded with garlic butter.
🍚 Shrimp Fried Rice – Savory wok-fried rice with juicy shrimp and veggies.

🌍 Regional Shrimp Recipes: From buttery Southern comfort to bold Thai curries and island-style garlic shrimp, these recipes bring global flavor to your shrimp game — no passport required.

🌺 Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp – Island-style shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, just like the food trucks.
🍝 Italian Shrimp Pasta – Savory shrimp tossed with herbs, garlic, and al dente noodles.
🌮 Mexican Shrimp Tacos – Zesty, juicy shrimp with bold toppings and fresh tortillas.
🍤 Southern Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy, smoky shrimp.
🥢 Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry – Quick, colorful, and loaded with veggies and soy-sesame flavor.
🔥 Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and perfect with rice or crusty bread.
🌶️ Bang Bang Shrimp – Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-heat sauce.
🍱 Teriyaki Shrimp – Sticky-sweet glaze with a savory umami kick.
🍛 Thai Shrimp Curry – Rich coconut curry with lemongrass, chili, and herbs.