If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and a bit of garlicky warmth, the Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe is a must-try. It’s a simple yet utterly satisfying seafood dinner that comes together in just about 20 minutes, bringing tender shrimp bathed in a luscious butter, garlic, and lemon sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease, showcasing some of the best that gulf shrimp can offer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the secret to the incredible flavor of this Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe. Each element, from the smoked paprika that adds a hint of smokiness to the fresh lemon juice that brings a vibrant tang, works harmoniously to create a memorable shrimp dish that’s both fragrant and flavorful.
- 1 pound gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp are best for a sweet and tender bite, perfectly absorbing the seasonings.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and rich color that deepens the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Provides a silky richness that carries the garlic and lemon perfectly over each shrimp.
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of green color and a subtle herby freshness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that cuts through the butter for balance and zip.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor that’s irresistible.
- Optional lemon wedges: For an extra fresh squeeze at the table if you want a bold lemon kick.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. This high heat ensures the shrimp cook quickly, locking in juices while crisping slightly on the outside, which makes for a juicy and flavorful result.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
If your shrimp aren’t already prepped, clean and devein them carefully. Pat them dry with paper towels—this step is key to helping the spices stick well. Toss the shrimp evenly with smoked paprika and sea salt, smothering every piece in that beautiful smoky seasoning.
Step 3: Arrange Shrimp for Baking
Spread the shrimp out in a single layer in a large cast iron skillet or baking dish. Ensuring they’re spread out allows for even cooking, preventing them from steaming and becoming rubbery.
Step 4: Mix the Butter Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend all those fresh and vibrant ingredients into a luscious sauce that will coat the shrimp perfectly.
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Shrimp
Drizzle the butter-lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure every piece is covered for maximum flavor absorption. This step is where your shrimp start to soak up that delicious blend.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The shrimp will be perfectly opaque and tender, infused with the melding flavors of lemon and garlic.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, the Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it immediately while hot for the best experience!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your presentation with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and some lemon wedges on the side. The fresh green color pops beautifully against the warm shrimp, and a squeeze of lemon right before eating adds a lovely tangy freshness.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Consider fluffy white rice or buttery pasta to soak up the garlicky butter sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables also make for a balanced and colorful meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a classy touch, serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside crusty artisan bread to mop up every last bit of that delectable sauce. Alternatively, toss the shrimp with fresh linguine and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bright, spicy seafood pasta dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days without losing much flavor or texture.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp with this lemon garlic butter sauce isn’t ideal, as the texture can change once thawed. If you must freeze, use a sealed container and consume within a month for best quality, but fresh is always the tastiest choice here.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warm to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or a small knob of butter can help keep the shrimp moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove any excess moisture so the seasonings and butter sauce can cling properly.
What can I substitute for gulf shrimp?
If gulf shrimp aren’t available, any medium to large shrimp variety works well. Fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined will give you the best texture and flavor.
Is smoked paprika necessary?
Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth and warmth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika works fine too. The dish will still be bright and flavorful thanks to the garlic and lemon.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
You certainly can! Sauté the shrimp in the butter garlic mixture on medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through, then finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque with firm flesh that springs back when touched. For precision, an internal temperature of 145 degrees F is the safe and perfect mark.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way the lemon and garlic come together with gulf shrimp to create a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and so incredibly simple to prepare. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe is your new go-to. Give it a try soon—you might just fall in love with shrimp all over again!
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Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and sea salt, then baked in a flavorful mixture of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Optional
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the shrimp.
- Prepare Shrimp: If needed, clean and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels, then toss them evenly with smoked paprika and sea salt for seasoning.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in a large cast iron skillet or baking dish, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, finely chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Coat Shrimp: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant-read thermometer.
- Serve: Serve the baked lemon garlic shrimp hot, either on its own or alongside rice or pasta. Garnish with optional lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is patted dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery; cooking just until opaque is key.
- The dish pairs well with a simple side like steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, but adjust quantity to taste if you prefer less tang.
- Use a cast iron skillet if available for even heat distribution, otherwise any oven-safe baking dish works.
