Lemon-Garlic Boiled Shrimp

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy boiled shrimp infused with lemon, garlic, and butter, topped with fresh parsley—perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful, easy-to-make dish suitable for casual dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. raw shrimp, headless and peeled
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted
  • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • pepper, freshly ground
  • few drops Tabasco
  • 1 Tbsp. Lea & Perrins

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp with cold water and drain thoroughly on paper towels.
  2. Cook the chopped garlic in melted butter until tender.
  3. Remove the garlic from the pan and add lemon juice, salt, pepper, Tabasco, and Lea & Perrins to the butter.
  4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan.
  5. Pour the sauce over the shrimp to cover them.
  6. Broil the shrimp 4 inches from the heat for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on their size.
  7. Do not overcook the shrimp.
  8. Baste the shrimp with the sauce once during cooking.
  9. Sprinkle with parsley just before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the lemon-garlic butter sauce for 30 minutes before broiling. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the Tabasco or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If fresh garlic isn't available, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, though fresh will yield better flavor. For a twist, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemon-garlic boiled shrimp with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the dish nicely. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with rice or pasta. This recipe pairs beautifully with Pop'S Shrimp Gumbo for a delightful seafood feast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover boiled shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or steam them for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon-Garlic Boiled Shrimp contains roughly 108 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (227% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1538mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).

108 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.5g 15% DV
Total Fat 3.1g 4% DV
Carbs 17.5g 6% DV
Fiber 11.4g 41% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1537.7mg 67% DV
Potassium 1293.3mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 4.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.1mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 204.3mg 100% DV
Calcium 53.3mg 4% DV
Iron 7.2mg 40% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. To thaw, place the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thawing method. This will help maintain their texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine. Both will provide a rich flavor, though olive oil will add a slightly different taste. Just ensure it's a high-quality oil for the best results.

How can I tell when the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. The cooking time may vary based on size, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough. A good rule of thumb is to remove them from the heat as soon as they are no longer translucent.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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