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Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet with Zingy Lemon Caper Sauce

Close-up of plump shrimp cooking in a skillet with rich garlic butter and lemon sauce, garnished with parsley.
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Make this fast and flavorful shrimp skillet dinner featuring tender shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and salty capers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and foams.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the drained capers. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute to thicken slightly.
  7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the lemon butter sauce.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, you can whisk in 1 tablespoon of cold butter right before returning the shrimp to the pan.
  • If you do not have capers, you can omit them or substitute with 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for extra brightness.
  • This dish cooks very quickly; do not overcook the shrimp or it will become tough.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/garlic-butter-shrimp-skillet-with-lemon-sauce/