Description
Zesty lemon and fragrant garlic elevate these succulent shrimp, making for a bright, savory dish. Perfect for serving over pasta, salad, or with a side of steamed veggies for a light, flavorful meal!
Ingredients
For the Lemon Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to ensure they sear properly. If you’re using fresh shrimp, ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking.
Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and complement the garlic and lemon.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the butter to the skillet (optional). The butter adds a rich, velvety texture to the dish and pairs wonderfully with the garlic and lemon.
Swirl the oil and butter around the skillet to coat it evenly, ensuring it creates a nice base for cooking the shrimp.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter and unpleasant. Stir it continuously to ensure it’s evenly distributed and begins to soften.
The garlic should release a delicious aroma, which will infuse the oil and butter with flavor, setting the stage for the shrimp.
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they’re fully cooked, which is a good indicator that they’re ready to be removed from the heat.
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cook quickly, so monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
Once the shrimp are cooked through, add the juice and zest of the lemon to the skillet. Stir the mixture gently to combine, ensuring that the shrimp are well-coated with the bright, tangy lemon flavor.
The lemon juice helps to cut through the richness of the garlic and oil, balancing the flavors while giving the shrimp a fresh, zesty finish. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste, depending on how tangy you prefer the dish.
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. This will add a subtle spicy kick that complements the other bold flavors. This step is optional, so feel free to skip it if you prefer a milder version of the dish.
Remove the skillet from the heat once the shrimp are fully cooked and the lemon and garlic have come together. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. The parsley also provides a mild herbal note that balances the richness of the garlic and butter.
Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added citrusy brightness. This dish is delicious on its own or paired with a variety of sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220-250 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 26g