Lemon Garlic Chili Shrimp

Wife with the Knife

These Lemon Garlic Shrimp are a burst of bold, vibrant flavours. Marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh lemon zest, and a hint of heat, the shrimp are seared to perfection and topped with a rich, spicy garlic lemon butter sauce. This dish is the perfect balance of tangy, savoury, and spicy, making it a standout appetizer or main course that will have everyone wanting more.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 7

Marinating Time 30

Total Time 57

Course Appetizers, Finger Food, starter

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 2

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

16 large shrimp cleaned and butterflied
5 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp garlic powder
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
2 tsp black pepper
Hot sauce to taste
1 tbsp neutral oil

Lemon Garlic Chili Butter

1 tbsp neutral oil or extra virgin olive oil
6 tbsp unsalted butter
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp honey or maple syrup optional, highly recommended
1 tsp garlic powder
7-10 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp cracked black pepper
2 tsp chili flakes
2-3 tsp your favourite hot sauce
Salt to taste
1-2 tbsp fresh cilantro minced

Instructions

Clean and butterfly the shrimp.
Combine shrimp with minced garlic, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, hot sauce, and neutral oil. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.
In a pan, heat 1 tbsp neutral oil over medium heat. Add butter and allow it to melt.
Stir in lemon juice, honey (if using), garlic powder, minced garlic, cracked black pepper, chili flakes, hot sauce, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is combined, set it aside.
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and sear for 60-90 seconds per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle the spicy garlic lemon pepper butter over them or serve the sauce in a bowl on the side for dipping.
Enjoy!

Notes

Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes. Over-marinating can cause the shrimp to become too soft.
Adjusting Spice Levels: You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes in the butter sauce. For a milder version, reduce or omit the hot sauce and chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions: These shrimp pair perfectly with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the flavorful butter sauce. They also make a great topping for salads or tacos.
Shrimp Size: The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp. Larger shrimp may require an extra 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and butter sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan to prevent overcooking the shrimp.