Discover the magic of shrimp baked in a rich lemon butter sauce that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Shrimp recipes are a favorite in many households, and the combination of a rich, flavorful sauce with succulent shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser. One dish that has been gaining popularity is Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce. This dish combines the freshness of shrimp with a buttery, tangy, and aromatic lemon sauce. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and is versatile enough for a casual dinner or an elegant meal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into every aspect of this dish, from its preparation to variations, and even provide some tips for pairing it with complementary dishes.
Why You’ll Love Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce
The Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is a meal that you can quickly whip up, even after a long day. Here are five reasons why this recipe is a must-try:
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Quick and Easy: This dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings.
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Rich in Flavor: The combination of buttery sauce and fresh lemon enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp.
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Perfect for Entertaining: Serve it at your next dinner party or family gathering for an elegant yet simple dish.
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Versatile: You can serve this dish over pasta, rice, or even with a fresh salad.
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Healthier Option: Shrimp is low in fat and high in protein, making it a great option for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
To make this Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) of medium to large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 lemon (juice and zest)
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Ingredient Notes
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Shrimp: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best results. Frozen shrimp can be used but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
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Butter: While unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the seasoning, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the amount of added salt.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic is a key flavor component in this recipe, but you can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch.
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Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a savory note to the sauce, but this is optional. You can experiment with other herbs like parsley or dill for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce
Preparation
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.
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Prepare the Shrimp: If you haven’t already, peel and devein the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them if preferred.
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Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
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Arrange the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each shrimp is coated.
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Bake: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
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Total Time: 20-25 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Why This Recipe Stands Out
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Simplicity: You only need a few ingredients to create a flavor-packed dish.
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Lemon Butter Sauce: The creamy, tangy sauce is the real star here, making each bite of shrimp even more delicious.
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Healthy and Light: Shrimp is naturally low in fat and high in protein, and the recipe uses minimal oil, making it a great healthy option.
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Quick to Make: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Flexibility: Whether you’re serving it over rice, pasta, or a bed of greens, this shrimp dish pairs well with almost anything.
Storage Options
If you have any leftovers, you can store the Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the shrimp in the microwave or gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Variations and Substitutions
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: For an extra garlicky flavor, double the amount of garlic used in the sauce.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy twist.
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Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, use mushrooms or tofu as a substitute for shrimp and swap the butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like dill or basil for a unique flavor profile.
Pairings and Accompaniments
To complement the Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce, consider these pairing ideas:
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Rice Pilaf: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf for a complete meal.
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Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
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Steamed Vegetables: Pair with some lightly steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, to balance out the richness of the sauce.
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Salads: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is similar to other shrimp recipes but stands out for its bold lemon flavor and the richness of the butter sauce. Unlike shrimp scampi, which often uses a heavy amount of pasta, this recipe lets the shrimp shine, with the lemon butter sauce enhancing its natural sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my lemon butter sauce separate?
If your lemon butter sauce separates, it might be because the butter is too hot when you mix it with the lemon juice, or the sauce wasn’t whisked vigorously enough. To prevent separation, ensure the butter is melted but not too hot when combining it with the other ingredients.
What temperature should you bake shrimp in the oven?
Baked shrimp should be cooked at a temperature of 375°F (190°C). This ensures the shrimp cook quickly while retaining their tenderness.
How to make lemon sauce for fish?
To make a simple lemon sauce for fish, combine butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the flavor.
Best Time to Enjoy the Recipe
This Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is perfect for dinner, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion. It’s light enough for a summer evening but rich enough to satisfy on cooler nights.
Presentation Tips
To present the dish attractively, arrange the shrimp neatly in the center of the plate and drizzle the lemon butter sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. For a festive touch, you can add a sprinkle of paprika or a sprig of rosemary.
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