The bright, garlicky sauce from this skillet is so good, you’ll want a plan for soaking up every last drop. I love serving my Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet over a bed of creamy polenta or a simple pile of crusty bread. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it comes together in the time it takes to set the table. I think we all need more of those recipes in our back pockets—the kind that deliver big flavor without demanding hours of our time.
This Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet is exactly that. It’s my go-to when the week feels heavy, when I want something that tastes special but fits into a regular Tuesday night. The magic is in the simplicity. Plump shrimp, a generous amount of garlic, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon come together in a buttery pan sauce that’s pure comfort. It’s the kind of cozy meal that reminds you how good homemade food can be, with minimal fuss and maximum reward. Simple ingredients, warm memories.
Table of Contents
Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet
A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring plump shrimp in a bright, garlicky lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together in minutes. The simple ingredients create a flavorful pan sauce you’ll want to soak up with bread or polenta.
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Total Time: 15min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: sauteing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted and foamy, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine to deglaze pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, broth, and red pepper flakes. Let sauce bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp and any juices to skillet. Toss to coat and heat through for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For dairy-free, use olive oil. No wine? Use extra broth with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing shrimp. Pat shrimp very dry for best sear. Avoid overcooking shrimp or burning garlic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 200
Ingredients List
Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet starts with a short list of fresh, flavorful ingredients. You likely have most of them in your kitchen right now.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Smart Swaps & Notes:
For a dairy-free version, use a good olive oil in place of the butter. No white wine? An equal amount of additional broth with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar works beautifully. If you’re looking for other healthy Mediterranean recipes dinners, this dish fits the bill perfectly with its lean protein and vibrant flavors.
Timing
One of the best things about this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet is how quickly it comes together. It’s faster than ordering takeout.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
That’s it. From fridge to table in about a quarter of an hour. It’s about 50% faster than many traditional sauteed seafood dishes, making it a true weeknight hero.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a perfect Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet every single time.
1. Prep the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is the secret to getting a nice sear instead of steaming them. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet (I prefer cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s melted and foamy, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t crowd the pan! You may need to work in batches. Transfer the shrimp to a clean plate. They will finish cooking later in the sauce.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the shrimp. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
4. Finish the Dish
Stir in the lemon juice, broth, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss everything together and let it heat through for one final minute. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information
A serving of this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet (about 1/4 of the recipe) provides approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 14g
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and selenium, while garlic and lemon offer vitamin C and antioxidants. This dish is naturally low-carb and can be part of many balanced eating plans, much like other Mediterranean diet recipes lunch or dinner options that focus on whole foods.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet. Just a few basics:
- A large skillet (12-inch is ideal; cast iron, stainless steel, or a non-stick pan all work)
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- A citrus juicer or a fork
- Tongs or a slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons.
- Incredibly Fast: A full, flavorful meal in 15 minutes flat.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan.
- Impressive Flavor: It tastes like a restaurant dish but is made with simple pantry staples.
- Endlessly Adaptable: Serve it over pasta, rice, greens, or with bread.
- Comfort Food, Made Easy: It delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling without any stress.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
This recipe is already quite light, but you can easily tweak it to fit specific dietary needs.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with extra virgin olive oil. The flavor will be more robust and equally delicious.
- Paleo/Whole30: Use ghee or avocado oil instead of butter and ensure your broth is compliant. Omit the wine and use extra broth and lemon juice.
- Lower Sodium: Use unsalted butter and a no-salt-added broth. Rely on the garlic, lemon, and herbs for flavor.
- Higher Protein: Serve the shrimp over a bed of quinoa or lentils to boost the protein and fiber content, creating a heartier meal similar to some easy chicken recipes that also focus on lean protein.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet is how it plays well with so many sides.
For a complete meal, spoon it over:
- Creamy Parmesan polenta or soft grits
- A bed of angel hair pasta or orzo (like in my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo)
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
Don’t forget the bread! A warm, crusty baguette or slice of sourdough is non-negotiable for mopping up that incredible sauce. For a full Mediterranean-inspired spread, pair it with a simple roasted vegetable or a dish like my Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few small missteps can change the outcome of your Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Not Drying the Shrimp: Wet shrimp will steam and won’t develop any color. Pat them thoroughly.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: They cook in just minutes. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns in a heartbeat. Keep the heat at medium once you add it and stir constantly.
- Skipping the Deglazing: Those browned bits in the pan are pure flavor. Deglazing with wine or broth incorporates them into your sauce, making it rich and complex.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be tasty.
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave, as it can easily overcook the shrimp.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp, as the texture can become mushy. However, you can freeze the uncooked, peeled shrimp separately for future use.
Conclusion
At the end of a busy day, this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet is the answer. It’s proof that a truly satisfying, restaurant-worthy meal doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. It’s about letting a few good ingredients shine. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results.
I hope this recipe becomes a trusted friend in your home, a reliable path to a cozy, delicious dinner. Food that feels like home.
If you love the bright, lemony flavors here, you might also enjoy my One Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp for a richer twist, or my Mediterranean Baked Cod for another simple seafood supper. Let me know how your Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet turns out in the comments below.
FAQs about Garlic Lemon Shrimp Skillet
What goes well with lemon garlic shrimp?
Garlic lemon shrimp pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, rice (especially risotto), quinoa, couscous, crusty bread for dipping, and a simple green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
How long does shrimp take to cook in a skillet?
Shrimp typically takes just 2-4 minutes to cook in a skillet, depending on its size. It’s done when it turns pink and opaque, and forms a ‘C’ shape. Avoid overcooking, which can make it rubbery.
What is the best way to cook shrimp?
The best way to cook shrimp depends on your preference and the recipe. Common methods include sautéing in a skillet, grilling, baking, or poaching. Sautéing is quick and easy, perfect for a garlic lemon shrimp skillet.
How do you know when shrimp is done cooking?
Shrimp is done cooking when it turns pink and opaque throughout. It should also form a ‘C’ shape. If it curls into an ‘O’ shape, it’s likely overcooked.
Can you use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi, including a garlic lemon shrimp skillet version. Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking, and pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better browning.
What is shrimp scampi sauce made of?
Traditional shrimp scampi sauce typically includes butter, garlic, white wine (optional), lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. A garlic lemon shrimp skillet will have a similar sauce base.
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