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Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp is a dish that brings together simplicity and flair. These tender shrimp come drenched in a rich lemon butter sauce, then topped with a crispy cheese breadcrumb layer. It's great for fancy gatherings or just regular dinners - you'll love how easy it is to make and how amazing it tastes.
Why You'll Love This Dish
This dish showcases the natural sweetness of shrimp, made even better with tangy lemon and smooth butter. The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful texture, making every bite satisfying and unforgettable. You can pair it with so many different sides, which makes it a perfect main course for any meal.
What You'll Need
- Shrimp: 450g, peeled, deveined and butterflied; go for fresh ones.
- Unsalted butter: 75g, melted and split for sauce and seasoning.
- Dry white wine or broth: 180ml, boiled down for stronger flavor.
- Lemon juice: 30ml, squeezed fresh.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, chopped super small.
- Panko breadcrumbs: 90g, for that crunchy top.
- Parmesan: 30g, grated for the topping.
- Olive oil: 20ml, to mix with breadcrumbs.
- Salt and black pepper: To your liking.
Getting It Done
- Heat Up and Get Ready
- Turn your oven to 220°C. Grab a baking dish.
- Make Your Base
- Mix the wine or broth with half the melted butter. Pour into the dish and let it cook down in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Flavor Your Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with the leftover melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Put It Together
- Spread your seasoned shrimp over the reduced sauce.
- Make The Crunchy Top
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, olive oil and salt. Sprinkle over the shrimp.
- Bake It Right
- Cook for 12 minutes. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes but watch it closely.
- Time To Eat
- Let it sit for a bit. Top with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.
Switch It Up
You can change this dish however you want. Try scallops or lobster tails instead of shrimp, or use broth if you don't have wine. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work for special diets. Throw in some spinach or tomatoes to boost flavor and make it healthier.
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What To Serve With It
This dish goes great with roasted asparagus, citrus salad, or rice that soaks up all that yummy sauce. If you want something heartier, try it with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for dipping. These sides really round out the shrimp and make the whole meal even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, frozen shrimp works fine. Just make sure they're fully thawed and patted dry to avoid extra moisture.
- → What can I use instead of white wine?
- Chicken broth is a great substitute. Vegetable or seafood broth also works if you want to change up the flavor.
- → How can I tell if shrimp are done?
- They're ready when they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcook or they'll get rubbery.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- You can prepare the sauce and breadcrumbs in advance, but it's best to bake the shrimp just before serving to keep them tender and juicy.
- → What should I serve with this dish?
- It pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad. Crusty bread is also perfect for scooping up the sauce.