Giggling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp sizzling in a garlic-butter sauce with bright lemon zest, creating a dish that’s as lively as a summer breeze. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 3.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 2 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, tossing until shrimp are evenly coated and glistening.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Giggling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Giggling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Giggling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest?

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 Giggling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest 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.

What goes well with Giggling Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Zest?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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