Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is an easy yet elegant dish that combines juicy shrimp with a rich, flavorful lemon butter sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a special treat for a dinner party.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a large baking dish (9×13-inch or similar size). Make sure the shrimp are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the Sauce:
- Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each shrimp is coated in the flavorful sauce. You can gently toss the shrimp in the dish to coat them better if needed.
- Bake the Shrimp:
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly.
- Optional Parmesan:
- If you’d like to add a cheesy touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp in the last 2 minutes of baking. Return to the oven to allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the shrimp are done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for added flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with: Serve the shrimp with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. It’s also great with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
- Wine pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Enjoy your Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce—it’s a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal!