Lemon Basil Shrimp
Bursting with vibrant flavors, Lemon Basil Shrimp is a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Juicy, tender shrimp are seared to perfection and coated in a luscious lemon-butter sauce infused with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and fresh basil. With just 20 minutes from prep to plate, this dish strikes the perfect balance of tangy, buttery, and herbaceous notes. A hint of red pepper flakes adds an optional kick, while the simplicity of the ingredients lets the fresh flavors shine. Serve it with steamed rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad for a light, satisfying meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Thoroughly rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon butter sauce.
Sprinkle the fresh basil over the shrimp and gently mix until evenly distributed.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
949 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.5 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 919 mg | 306% | |
| Sodium | 1695 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.6 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 112.1 g | 224% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 462 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1512 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
