Introduction

One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp Delight is a quick, flavorful, and elegant seafood dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Tender shrimp are cooked in a luscious lemon butter sauce, infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of white wine, all in a single skillet. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed—yet it delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated steps or multiple pans.

This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also visually stunning. The golden shrimp, bright lemon slices, and fresh herbs create a dish that looks as good as it tastes. It’s versatile, pairing beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Fast and Effortless – With only one pan and 20 minutes, you can have a complete gourmet meal.
2. Rich, Tangy Flavor – The combination of butter, lemon, and garlic creates a perfectly balanced, zesty sauce.
3. Tender Shrimp – Cooking shrimp quickly in butter ensures they remain juicy and succulent.
4. Minimal Cleanup – One pan, no mess, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
5. Elegant Presentation – Bright, fresh lemon and herbs make this dish look impressive while being easy to make.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s a perfect example of simple ingredients delivering bold flavors. The tangy lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic transform shrimp into a succulent, indulgent dish. It’s ideal for seafood lovers looking for a quick, satisfying meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, its versatility allows you to pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, making it a complete meal in one pan.

Recipe Information

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Seafood
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute chicken broth)
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the Pan:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.
3. Sauté Garlic:
   • Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Add shrimp in a single layer. Sauté 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce:
   • Pour in white wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan.
   • Let it simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in remaining butter and lemon zest.
6. Combine and Finish:
   • Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
7. Serve:
   • Plate shrimp and sauce, garnishing with lemon slices. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with steamed rice, linguine, or quinoa to soak up the sauce.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Add extra lemon wedges on the side for an additional citrus kick.

Recipe Tips

• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly and continue cooking in residual heat.
• For a richer flavor, add a splash of cream at the end.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.

Variations

• Garlic Herb Shrimp: Add fresh thyme or dill to the sauce.
• Creamy Lemon Shrimp: Stir in 2–3 tbsp heavy cream for a velvety sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives for a vibrant, Mediterranean flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended after cooking, as shrimp can become rubbery. Raw seasoned shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice (optional)

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry for best results.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: The sauce can be prepared ahead, but shrimp are best cooked fresh to maintain tenderness.

Q: Can I skip the white wine?
A: Yes, substitute with chicken broth or water for a non-alcoholic version.

Q: How do I make the sauce extra glossy?
A: Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter at the end for a rich, glossy finish.

Conclusion

One-Pan Lemon Butter Shrimp Delight is a quick, elegant, and flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. With tender shrimp, bright lemon, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or special occasions. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and versatile serving options make this dish a go-to favorite for any seafood lover.