Zesty Lemon-Butter Shrimp

This Zesty Lemon-Butter Shrimp recipe is a quick and easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. The shrimp are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with butter, lemon juice, white wine, and garlic. The result is a dish that's both delicious and elegant.

The origins of this dish can be traced back to the early 19th century, when French chefs began experimenting with new ways to cook shrimp. One of these chefs, named Antoine Careme, developed a recipe for sautéed shrimp in a lemon-butter sauce. This recipe quickly became popular, and it has remained a classic dish to this day.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Stir in the white wine and lemon juice and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until reduced by half.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cook for an additional minute or two, or until warmed through.

Why It Works

• The combination of butter, lemon juice, and white wine creates a flavorful sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• The shrimp are cooked quickly over high heat, which results in a tender and juicy texture.
• The addition of fresh parsley or thyme adds a touch of elegance to the dish.