If you’re craving a speedy seafood sensation, look no further than this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe. Packed with juicy, tender shrimp tossed in a bright and buttery sauce, this dish captures the citrusy zing of fresh lemon and the irresistible kick of cracked black pepper in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this classic never fails to deliver restaurant-style flavor in record time. Let’s make shrimp the star of your table!

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe plays a starring role, combining effortlessly to create crave-worthy shrimp bursting with layers of flavor. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—quality ingredients, prepared with purpose, deliver unforgettable results.

Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Choose the freshest shrimp you can find for tender texture and sweet flavor—peeled and deveined for easy eating.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness and helps the shrimp caramelize beautifully in the skillet.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives luscious, silky finish and balances the tang of lemon.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Brings bold aroma and savory depth that complements both lemon and shrimp.
Lemon (zested and juiced, 1): Adds bright, fresh acidity and sunshine color to the sauce.
Lemon pepper seasoning (1 teaspoon): The key to this recipe, adding a tangy, peppery punch.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Amplifies both heat and complexity, tying it all together.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Delivers grassy freshness and a burst of green color.
Lemon wedges (for serving): The ultimate finishing touch—let everyone add their own squeeze of extra zing.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Pat the Shrimp Dry

Begin by laying your peeled and deveined shrimp on a few sheets of paper towel and patting them dry. You want to remove excess moisture so they sear instead of steam—this creates that delectable golden edge and keeps the shrimp plump and juicy.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat, then pour in the olive oil and toss in the butter. Let them melt together, swirling to coat the pan, until the butter is just beginning to foam. This classic duo creates a rich base that will soak up every bit of flavor from the seasonings.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You don’t want to brown the garlic—keep it moving so the kitchen fills with that amazing buttery, garlicky aroma without burning.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp in a single layer, then quickly drizzle in the lemon juice, sprinkle over the lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently but swiftly, making sure each shrimp gets coated with the zesty, peppery sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until shrimp turn pink and opaque—you don’t want to overcook them!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and scatter the fresh chopped parsley over the shrimp. Give it all one last, gentle toss, and serve straight away with extra lemon wedges on the side for a final burst of freshness. Enjoy the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe while it’s hot and vibrant!

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I love piling the shrimp onto a warm plate, showering them with even more chopped parsley, and finishing everything off with wedges of just-cut lemon. The extra parsley brightens the dish, while the lemon wedges invite everyone to personalize with that final, sunny tang.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe is so versatile! Spoon it over fluffy rice, twirl it through angel hair pasta, or scatter it atop mixed greens for a standout salad. Garlic bread, steamed veggies, or a lemony quinoa also pair effortlessly with these shrimp, soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party twist, serve the shrimp on skewers as eye-catching appetizers, or tuck them into warm tortillas with fresh slaw for quick shrimp tacos. Toss cooled shrimp with orzo, arugula, and a drizzle more lemon juice for a zippy shrimp salad everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Lemon Pepper Shrimp, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 days. Try to keep the shrimp and sauce separate from any sides for the best texture.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen, I recommend enjoying this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe fresh if possible. If you must freeze, spread the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Consume within 1 month for best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, just until heated through. Add a splash of water or lemon juice if needed to loosen up the sauce, and stir occasionally to keep the shrimp from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge and pat them dry well before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

Is lemon pepper seasoning the same as just lemon and pepper?

Lemon pepper seasoning usually contains dried lemon zest and cracked black pepper, but it can also include extra spices and salt, giving this recipe a deeper punch than using the two separately.

What other herbs can I use besides parsley?

If you’re looking to mix it up, fresh dill, cilantro, or even chives would all make a delightful substitute for parsley without overpowering that signature citrus flavor.

Can I make the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for more olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter to keep the dish rich and luscious while dairy-free.

How do I make it spicy?

Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. You can easily adjust the amount based on your spice preference—the zesty flavors play so well with a bit of fiery kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, you truly can’t go wrong with this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe. It’s one of those rare treasures that feels both effortless and a little bit special. Give it a go, and I promise, your kitchen will be filled with cheerful vibes and satisfied smiles!

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a garlic-infused lemon butter sauce, seasoned with zesty lemon pepper, and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve over rice, pasta, or salad for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For Serving:

Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Pat shrimp dry: Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry.
Prepare sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.