Lemon Garlic Chili Shrimp
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.
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.
Tried this recipe?
Mention @thewifewiththeknife or tag #wifewiththeknife
Mention @thewifewiththeknife or tag #wifewiththeknife