Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp, enhanced by a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a delicious and easy meal that anyone can make!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Timing
Making Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp takes about 5 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Add Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Flip and Add Lemon: Flip the shrimp over, then add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sugar | 0g |
Tips for Customization
- Add Vegetables: Include asparagus, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Pasta Option: Serve the shrimp over cooked pasta, tossing it with the lemon garlic sauce for a complete meal.
- Herb Variations: Substitute parsley with fresh basil or cilantro for different flavor profiles.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover lemon garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bright flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- • 3 tablespoons olive oil
- • 4 cloves garlic, minced
- • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- • Zest of 1 lemon
- • Salt and pepper, to taste
- • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Flip and Add Lemon: Flip the shrimp over, then add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Plate and Enjoy: Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Step 4: Serve
