Garlic-Shrimp Skillet with Lemon and Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooked shrimp with garlic, lemon, and butter for a bright, savory dinner ready in 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs shrimp, butter, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz shrimp dry and season with 1/4 tsp salt. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon into the skillet, then add 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Shrimp Skillet with Lemon and Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Shrimp Skillet with Lemon and Butter?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Shrimp Skillet with Lemon and Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Shrimp Skillet with Lemon and Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic-Shrimp Skillet with Lemon and Butter low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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