Lemon Herb Shrimp in Garlic Butter Oil (Easy 20-Minute Dinner)

Lemon Herb Shrimp in Garlic Butter Oil

This lemon herb shrimp is one of those simple dinners that feels special without being complicated. Juicy shrimp, gently cooked in garlic butter and olive oil, finished with fresh lemon and herbs, create a dish that’s comforting, bright, and incredibly satisfying.

It’s perfect for busy evenings, yet elegant enough to serve when you want something that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy. Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up every drop of the buttery sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Fresh sage leaves, optional (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Lemon Herb Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper. Dry shrimp sear better and stay juicy instead of steaming in the pan.

2. Create the Garlic Butter Oil

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter together over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.

3. Add Lemon and Herbs

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture warm for a few seconds so the flavors infuse the oil.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook, as shrimp become rubbery very quickly.

5. Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and sage leaves if desired. Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
• Cook shrimp on medium-low to medium heat to keep them tender.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth if you want extra sauce.

Serving Ideas

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or warm bread. You can also serve it over zucchini noodles or alongside a light green salad for a lower-carb meal.

If you enjoy cooking with lemon and herbs, you may also like learning more about the culinary uses of fresh herbs from Encyclopaedia Britannica .

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~380 per serving
• Protein: ~32g per serving

Simple ingredients, clean flavors, and a method that never fails. This lemon herb shrimp is a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation.