Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers
There’s something absolutely magical about the way Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers envelops your senses and transports you to a coastal paradise. Imagine succulent, juicy shrimp nestled in a luscious pool of golden butter, brimming with the bright, zesty vibrance of fresh lemons. Each bite is an indulgent experience, as the salty pop of capers melds beautifully with the sweet tartness of lemon. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also a show-stopper that’s sure to evoke fond memories of sun-drenched vacations by the sea. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting—guaranteed to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
What’s Your Perfect Bite?
What if you could savor a dish that feels like a warm embrace, one that instantly transports you to carefree seaside afternoons? Do you dream of those bright, zesty flavors dancing on your palate, leaving you wholly satisfied yet yearning for just one more bite? How about a delightful fusion of simplicity and indulgence that can be ready in minutes? If these scrumptious cravings resonate with you, then Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers is the answer you’ve been searching for!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers recipe stands out for several heartwarming reasons:
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Effortless Prep: With minimal prep time, you can whip it up even on the busiest days.
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Health-Conscious: Shrimp is packed with protein, low in calories, and the dish is rich in healthy fats from butter and olive oil.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding the family or impressing guests, it’s elegant without being fussy.
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Few Ingredients: All the ingredients are likely already in your pantry—less stress, more cooking joy.
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Versatile: Enjoy it over a bed of pasta, serve it with rice, or simply relish it on its own.
Ingredients
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1 pound raw shrimp, size 16-20 count or 21-25 count, deveined and peeled
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1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt to enhance the flavors
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper, bringing a gentle warmth
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2 teaspoons olive oil for a touch of richness
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1 lemon, zested and then sliced for that irresistible citrus zing
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, enriching every mouthful
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1 1/2 tablespoons capers, drained, yielding a delightful briny burst
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1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter to accompany the breadcrumbs
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley to brighten the dish
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Additional lemon zest for a fresh aromatic finish
Imagine the vibrant colors and the aromatic concoction of fragrant ingredients that make this dish not just flavorful but visually stunning, too!
Timing
Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers showcases the beauty of truly fast and indulgent dining. With a total cook time of just about 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet feels luxurious enough for weekend entertaining. It’s the ideal balance between quick and special, allowing you to enjoy delectable flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step
1. Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 400°F. The anticipation of the warm, inviting aroma that will soon fill your kitchen is already exciting!
2. Prepare the shrimp
In a large mixing bowl, season 1 pound of raw shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss gently to make sure every nook and cranny of that succulent shrimp is seasoned.
3. Arrange and drizzle
Drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil into a baking dish. Artistically arrange the seasoned shrimp within, ensuring they are nestled comfortably.
4. Layer on the flavors
Top your shrimp with slices of lemon, 2 tablespoons of small pieces of butter, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of drained capers. Don’t forget to reserve some lemon zest for the breadcrumb topping—this will elevate the dish to a new level of flavor!
5. Bake to perfection
Place the dish into your preheated oven and let the magic happen, baking for 10-12 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, gleaming with delectable juices.
6. Toast the breadcrumbs
While your shrimp bakes, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add your 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs and stir to combine, cooking them for 2-4 minutes until they’re toasted and lightly brown.
7. Finish and serve
Once the shrimp is done, remove it from the oven and generously scatter the toasted breadcrumb mixture on top. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley and additional lemon zest for that extra burst of freshness.
Each forkful will deliver an explosion of flavors—creamy, tangy, and crispy! Serve immediately, and let the flavors dance on your tongue.
Nutritional Information
Indulging in Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers doesn’t come with a heavy price tag. For each serving, you’re looking at approximately 250 calories. This dish is rich, but with lean protein and healthy fats, it fits perfectly into diverse dietary lifestyles without a tinge of guilt.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten the load a bit without sacrificing flavor, several healthier substitutions can be made.
- Opt for ghee or a plant-based butter substitute to cater to a dairy-free diet.
- Increase the vegetable content by layering in zucchini or bell peppers beneath the shrimp before baking.
- Replace traditional panko breadcrumbs with whole grain or gluten-free options for a wholesome twist on texture.
With these substitutions, you can tailor the recipe to suit various dietary needs while keeping the integrity of the dish intact.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers is incredibly versatile.
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Pair it with a light white wine for a romantic evening meal or enjoy it as a fresh entrée at your next dinner gathering.
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Incorporate a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for dessert to provide a refreshing contrast to the savory meal you just enjoyed.
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Serve it on a special occasion, like a holiday dinner or a summer barbecue, impressing your guests with effortless sophistication.
Common Mistakes
Every great chef encounters a few pitfalls along the journey. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
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Overbaking: Shrimp cooks quickly and becomes tough if left in the oven too long. Aim for that perfect, juicy bite.
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Texture concerns: If you skip the glazing of the panko with butter, you might miss out on that coveted crispy exterior. Toast it until golden brown for perfect crunch.
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Messy preparation: Keep things tidy by preparing all your ingredients in advance. Enjoy the process and avoid a chaotic cooking environment.
Storing Tips
Rescue your leftovers instead of letting them go to waste!
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Freezing portions can be a lifesaver. Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to a month.
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Reheating is best done in the oven to maintain that crispy texture. Warm at 350°F just until heated through, about 8 minutes, ensuring the shrimp doesn’t overcook.
Tempting to Bake It ASAP
There’s no need to wait another moment to experience the joy that Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers brings to your dinner table. Fast, fresh, and indulgently flavorful, this recipe effortlessly combines convenience and gourmet dining. The aromatic dance of fresh lemon, rich butter, and succulent shrimp awaits you. Don’t hesitate—whip this delectable dish up and treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of culinary bliss!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw the shrimp in cold water before cooking for the best results.
2. What is the best way to know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and opaque, usually taking just 10-12 minutes in the oven.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and arrange them in the baking dish earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add a few more minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
4. What can I substitute for capers if I don’t have them?
If capers aren’t available, small green olives can provide a similar briny flavor.
5. Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
For a vegetarian twist, replace shrimp with roasted asparagus or mushrooms for a delicious yet indulgent variation.
Serve Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers tonight and discover just how effortlessly delicious seafood can be!
Print
Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp with Capers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and elegant dish featuring succulent shrimp baked in lemon butter with capers, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (16–20 count or 21–25 count), deveined and peeled
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 1/2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- Additional lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Season the raw shrimp with Kosher salt and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil into a baking dish and arrange the shrimp.
- Top with lemon slices, butter, and capers, reserving some lemon zest.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- While baking, melt butter in a skillet, add panko breadcrumbs, and toast until golden brown.
- Top baked shrimp with toasted breadcrumbs, parsley, and additional lemon zest before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute ghee for butter or add sautéed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
