When it comes to quick, flavorful dinners, Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp might just be the crown jewel. Juicy shrimp bathed in zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and rich melted butter—then baked to tender perfection in just 15 minutes—what’s not to love?
This dish checks every box: it’s fast, elegant, healthy-ish, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a light main course, a dinner party appetizer, or a protein-packed topper for salads and pastas, it’s a winner every single time. With minimal prep and big flavor, this is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in 25 minutes, start to finish
✅ Minimal ingredients – Pantry staples with huge flavor payoff
✅ Healthy & protein-packed – Light but satisfying
✅ Versatile – Serve over rice, pasta, salad, or with crusty bread
✅ Perfect for any occasion – Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights
🛒 Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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 more zing, or Parmesan cheese for richness.
🍳 Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons
- Oven or countertop toaster oven
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~220 per serving
👨🍳 How to Make Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when your shrimp are assembled and sauced.
Step 2: Make the Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Melted butter
Minced garlic
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Paprika
Italian seasoning
This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish—tangy, savory, and perfectly garlicky.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Place shrimp in a single layer in your baking dish. Tails-on adds a nice presentation, but you can remove them if preferred. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the shrimp, making sure they’re all evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Bake the Shrimp
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, firm, and cooked through. The sauce will bubble, and the shrimp will curl into a “C” shape when done—just be careful not to overcook them!
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Add a few lemon slices or wedges for garnish and extra zing.
Pro Tip: Want to elevate it further? Finish with a light dusting of Parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is delicious on its own—but even better when paired with:
Carbs & Grains
Steamed white or jasmine rice
Garlic butter linguine or angel hair pasta
Creamy polenta
Quinoa or couscous
Mashed potatoes
Veggie Sides
Roasted asparagus or green beans
Grilled zucchini or squash
Sauteed spinach or kale
A crisp garden or Caesar salad
Breads
Crusty French baguette
Garlic breadsticks
Buttery dinner rolls
🧠 Tips for the Best Baked Shrimp
Use large or jumbo shrimp – They stay juicy and are easier to cook without overdoing it.
Don’t overbake – Shrimp only need 12–15 minutes max; overcooked shrimp = rubbery.
Fresh lemon juice – Always go with fresh if possible for better brightness and tang.
Tail-on for looks, tail-off for convenience – Your choice depending on how you’re serving it.
Adjust seasoning to taste – Add spice, herbs, or even a touch of white wine for your own spin.
🔁 Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture for heat.
2. Shrimp Scampi Bake
Swap Italian seasoning for parsley and thyme, add a splash of dry white wine, and toss over pasta.
3. Herb-Infused
Add chopped fresh dill, rosemary, or basil to the butter sauce.
4. Mediterranean Style
Toss in halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta after baking for a Greek twist.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Refrigerate leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave—it can make shrimp rubbery!
Note: Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated if needed with care.
🥗 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 2g
(Macros vary slightly based on shrimp size and butter brand used)
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp is everything we love in a recipe: quick, easy, flavorful, and versatile. It’s a go-to dish that works for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even elegant dinner parties. You’ll love how such a simple combination of ingredients turns into something so satisfying and beautiful.
The buttery garlic-laced sauce with bright lemon zing transforms ordinary shrimp into something restaurant-worthy, right from your own kitchen. So whether you’re serving this up with pasta, rice, or just a side of crusty bread—don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds.
Tried it?
Snap a photo and share it using #LemonButterShrimp – we’d love to see your delicious results!
Print Recipe From Here ⤵️

Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp
Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons
- Oven or countertop toaster oven
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 more zing, or Parmesan cheese for richness.
- —
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when your shrimp are assembled and sauced.
- —
Step 2: Make the Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish—tangy, savory, and perfectly garlicky.
- —
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
- Place shrimp in a single layer in your baking dish. Tails-on adds a nice presentation, but you can remove them if preferred. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the shrimp, making sure they’re all evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- —
Step 4: Bake the Shrimp
- Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, firm, and cooked through. The sauce will bubble, and the shrimp will curl into a “C” shape when done—just be careful not to overcook them!
- —
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Add a few lemon slices or wedges for garnish and extra zing.
- > Pro Tip: Want to elevate it further? Finish with a light dusting of Parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes.
- —
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