Mediterranean Lemon Butter Shrimp
This Mediterranean Lemon Butter Shrimp recipe is bursting with bright citrusy flavor, balanced with garlic, herbs, and a hint of chili. It’s a quick, elegant, and healthy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Serve it over couscous, rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
For the lemon butter sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp capers (optional, for briny depth)
1/4 cup dry white wine or vegetable/chicken broth
Instructions:
Prep the shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Sear the shrimp:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tbsp olive oil.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the lemon butter sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt the butter.
Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lemon zest, juice, red pepper flakes, oregano, and capers. Cook for 1 minute.
Add wine or broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Finish the dish:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce for 1–2 minutes until heated through and coated.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve over herbed couscous, lemon rice, or angel hair pasta.
Pair with a fresh Mediterranean salad or grilled vegetables.
Great with warm pita or crusty bread for dipping.
Tips
Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Do not overcook the shrimp – they only need about 2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Use a wide pan so the shrimp cook evenly and get a light sear.
Deglaze the pan with wine or broth to lift all the flavor bits from the bottom into the sauce.
Balance the acidity – if the lemon is too sharp for your taste, add a pinch of sugar or drizzle in a little honey.
Variations:
Herb Swaps:
Swap parsley with fresh basil, dill, or mint for a different herb note.
Use za’atar or sumac instead of oregano for an extra Mediterranean touch.
Add-Ins:
Sliced Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated artichokes for briny complexity.
Stir in cherry tomatoes or baby spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
Top with crumbled feta cheese for richness.
Spice Variations:
Add a touch of harissa paste for heat and smokiness.
Use Aleppo pepper or Urfa chili flakes instead of crushed red pepper for a softer, earthy heat.
Serving Ideas:
Turn it into a shrimp bowl with brown rice, chickpeas, cucumber, and tzatziki.
Make it a Mediterranean shrimp wrap with hummus, greens, and pita.
Serve chilled over pasta salad for a lemony shrimp pasta variation.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Q: What can I use instead of white wine?
A: Vegetable or chicken broth works great as a substitute. You can also use a splash of lemon juice with a bit of water.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use a good-quality olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter.
Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Serve it with quinoa, orzo, couscous, or over a bed of sautéed greens. You can also toss it with pasta or mix it into a grain bowl.
Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Yes! Omit or reduce the chili flakes if needed for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
Estimated values; may vary with ingredients and portions.
Calories: ~280
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 1g
Cholesterol: 190mg
Sodium: 570mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lemon Butter Shrimp is a vibrant, quick, and satisfying dish that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The brightness of lemon, richness of butter, and aromatic herbs create a balanced sauce that complements shrimp perfectly. Whether served over grains, pasta, or with fresh veggies, it’s a versatile recipe perfect for busy nights or elegant dinners. Fast, fresh, and Mediterranean-approved!