Lemon-Garlic Butter Shrimp with Fresh Parsley

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

Succulent shrimp bathed in a vibrant butter sauce infused with garlic and lemon, finished with a bright burst of fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality weeknight meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs Shrimp, peeled and deveined, Unsalted butter, Garlic, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Step 3: Return the shrimp to the skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and cook for 1 minute until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley and cook for 30 seconds more. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Butter Shrimp with Fresh Parsley take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter Shrimp with Fresh Parsley?

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 Lemon-Garlic Butter Shrimp with Fresh Parsley?

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 Lemon-Garlic Butter Shrimp with Fresh Parsley 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter Shrimp with Fresh Parsley?

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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