Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil Butter

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty lemon and fresh basil butter sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful seafood dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 11 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 6 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and opaque around the edges.
  4. Step 4: Flip the shrimp and add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce coats them.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp from heat and serve immediately, spooning the lemon basil butter over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil Butter take to make?

Total time is about 11 minutes (5 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Basil Butter?

Mediterranean 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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