Steamed Southern-Style Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon
This easy Southern-style garlic butter shrimp is steamed on the stovetop to tender perfection. Fresh lemon juice and fragrant garlic butter enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making it a quick, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main
- Sauce
- Seasoning
- Garnish
Let’s make it
Main
Prepare the shrimp by rinsing under cold water and patting dry with paper towels.
Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Main
Add the shrimp to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Main
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the shrimp steam and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
Sauce
Remove the lid, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, and sprinkle lemon zest if using. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter and lemon sauce.
Garnish
Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, spoon over any remaining garlic butter from the skillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Tips & notes
Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture. Do not overcook shrimp as it will become tough and rubbery. Prepare garlic butter sauce gently over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic. Serving this dish with crusty bread or over steamed rice complements the flavors well.
Saving it for later
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3 days for best taste and safety.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter, stirring often until warmed through. Avoid high heat which can make shrimp tough.
