Lemon Dill Shrimp

Introduction

Lemon Dill Shrimp is a light, flavorful, and elegant seafood dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a buttery, zesty lemon sauce with fresh dill, creating a bright and refreshing flavor profile. This dish balances the natural sweetness of shrimp with the tang of lemon and the herbaceous aroma of dill, making it irresistible. It’s fast, simple, and packed with gourmet flavor, perfect for seafood lovers.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s bright, fresh, and incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of lemon and dill elevates the shrimp to a restaurant-quality dish, while the buttery sauce adds richness without overpowering the delicate seafood flavor. It’s fast enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough to serve guests, making it versatile and delicious every time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers big flavors with minimal ingredients and effort. The lemon-dill pairing is classic, enhancing the shrimp’s natural taste and creating a dish that’s light, healthy, and satisfying. Perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or alongside a fresh salad, it’s a seafood dish that’s quick, easy, and impressive.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 18-20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 220 per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / Seafood
• Course: Main Course or Appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill; cook 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Remove from heat, garnish with lemon slices and additional dill, and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Peel and devein shrimp if necessary. Pat them dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat Butter and Oil

In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat until hot.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly golden.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Dill

Lower heat slightly. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill. Simmer 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and transfer shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with additional dill and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve over cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa to soak up the lemon-dill sauce.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.
• Can also be served as an appetizer on skewers or in a lettuce wrap for parties.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook shrimp; they cook very quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
• Use fresh lemon and dill for the best flavor.
• For extra richness, add a splash of white wine or cream to the sauce.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Lemon Dill Shrimp: Add an extra tablespoon of butter for a richer sauce.
• Spicy Version: Sprinkle red pepper flakes while cooking the shrimp.
• Creamy Lemon Dill Shrimp: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream for a creamy version.
• Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Shrimp can be frozen, but flavor and texture are best when fresh. Freeze cooked shrimp separately from sauce for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat; avoid overcooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Spatula or tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes, thaw completely before cooking for best texture.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Shrimp is best cooked fresh. You can prepare garlic, lemon, and dill in advance to save time.

Q3: Can I use dried dill?
A3: Yes, use 1 teaspoon dried dill if fresh is unavailable, but fresh dill has a brighter flavor.

Q4: What sides pair well with this dish?
A4: Rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

Q5: Can I add cream to make it richer?
A5: Yes, adding 1/4 cup heavy cream creates a creamy lemon dill sauce.

Conclusion

Lemon Dill Shrimp is a light, flavorful, and quick-to-make seafood dish that balances sweetness, tang, and herbal freshness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. With its bright lemon notes and fragrant dill, this dish is elegant, satisfying, and a must-try for anyone who loves seafood.