When you need a fast, flavorful dinner, this Lemon Pepper Shrimp is the perfect solution. Bright, tangy lemon pairs beautifully with bold pepper and garlic to create a dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
This recipe is ready in just minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute meals, or even a quick appetizer. The shrimp are lightly coated, pan-fried until golden, and finished with a fresh squeeze of lemon for that irresistible citrusy kick.
👉 Serve it on its own, over rice or pasta, or tuck it into tacos—this dish goes with everything!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon (halved)
Optional:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cold running water. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine flour, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot and sizzling, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until golden, crispy, and no longer translucent.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and parsley if desired.
💡 Tips for Perfect Juicy Shrimp
- ⏱️ Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook very quickly—remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque
- 🔥 Use medium-high heat for a nice golden crust
- 🧻 Dry shrimp well before cooking to ensure crispiness
- 🍋 Add lemon at the end for fresh, bright flavor
🔥 Grilled Version (Optional)
- Skip the flour and mix shrimp with olive oil and seasonings
- Thread onto soaked skewers
- Grill over medium heat for 4 minutes per side
- Finish with fresh lemon juice
🔄 Variations
- 🌶️ Add chili flakes for a spicy twist
- 🧄 Increase garlic for extra flavor
- 🌿 Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil
- 🥑 Serve with guacamole or creamy dips
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—just thaw and dry them well before cooking.
How do I know shrimp are done?
They turn pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
Can I make it ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but you can reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Over rice or pasta
- In shrimp tacos 🌮
- On top of a fresh salad
- With roasted vegetables
- As an appetizer with dipping sauce
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 286
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fat: 14g