Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe: A Splash of Summer Magic

Zesty Mediterranean flavors dance through this lemon garlic shrimp recipe, promising a culinary adventure that awakens your taste buds.

Succulent shrimp shimmer with bright citrus notes and rich aromatic garlic.

Crafted for quick weeknight meals, these tender morsels deliver restaurant-quality excitement to your kitchen.

Fresh ingredients merge into a simple yet sophisticated dish anyone can master.

Delicate herbs and perfectly seasoned proteins create a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Each bite promises a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this irresistible seafood sensation.

Why Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe For Easy And Delicious Meals Always Works

  • Quick Culinary Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combines zesty lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic to create a mouthwatering combination that tingles taste buds.
  • Protein-Packed Perfection: Delivers a nutritious meal loaded with lean protein and vibrant flavors that satisfy hunger and nutrition needs.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable recipe that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or salad, making it a go-to option for multiple meal styles.

What You’ll Need For Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe For Easy And Delicious Meals

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this quick and delicious meal.
Fat and Flavor Base:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth foundation for cooking the shrimp.
  • Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Seasoning and Freshness:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the shrimp.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy citrus flavor that cuts through the richness.
  • Lemon Slices: Provides additional citrus aroma and visual appeal.
  • Parsley: Offers a fresh, green herb note that brightens the entire dish.

Instructions For Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe For Easy And Delicious Meals

Step 1: Butter Up the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Drop in butter and watch it transform into a golden, bubbling pool of deliciousness. Swirl the pan gently to coat the entire surface, creating a silky base for your seafood adventure.

Step 2: Unleash the Garlic Magic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the melted butter. Let it dance and sizzle for about 60 seconds, releasing an irresistible aroma that will make your kitchen smell incredible. Stir carefully to prevent burning and keep the garlic’s vibrant flavor intact.

Step 3: Shrimp Searing Spectacular

Introduce the shrimp to the skillet in a single, beautiful layer. Season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, developing a gorgeous golden crust. Flip each piece to ensure even cooking and that perfect light pink color.

Step 4: Citrus Burst Finale

Splash in fresh lemon juice and scatter lemon slices around the shrimp. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp curl up and turn completely opaque. The citrus will infuse the dish with bright, tangy notes.

Step 5: Fresh Herb Flourish

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Serve immediately and watch everyone dive into this mouthwatering seafood sensation!

Smart Tips For Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe For Easy And Delicious Meals

  • Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select plump, translucent shrimp with a mild sea scent for the best flavor and texture.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Watch skillet temperature to prevent burning butter and garlic, which can create bitter taste.
  • Quick Cooking Technique: Avoid overcooking shrimp by monitoring their color and curl – they need only 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Customize heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to personal preference.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy shrimp right after cooking to preserve their tender, juicy consistency and vibrant flavors.

Great Twists On Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe For Easy And Delicious Meals

  • Spicy Coconut Curry Shrimp: Replace butter with coconut oil, add curry powder and coconut milk for a rich, tropical version of the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Swap lemon with white wine, add oregano, thyme, and swap parsley for fresh basil to create a Mediterranean-style seafood dish.
  • Low-Carb Keto Shrimp Skillet: Use ghee instead of butter, increase red pepper flakes, serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly protein-packed meal.
  • Grilled Shrimp Alternative: Skip the skillet method and grill shrimp on skewers, brushing with the same lemon garlic butter for a smoky outdoor cooking version.

What Goes Best With Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe For Easy And Delicious Meals

  • Pair Zesty Mediterranean White Wine: Crisp, citrusy Greek Assyrtiko perfectly complements the lemon and garlic notes, cutting through the buttery richness of the shrimp.
  • Create Herbal Quinoa Side Dish: Prepare light quinoa pilaf with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil to match the bright, Mediterranean flavors of the shrimp.
  • Select Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious buttery-lemony sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Recommend Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss peppery arugula with light vinaigrette, creating a crisp contrast to the rich, succulent shrimp and balancing the meal's flavor profile.

Storing Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe For Easy And Delicious Meals

  • Transfer cooled shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Carefully place shrimp in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm shrimp over low-medium heat with a splash of butter or olive oil, stirring gently to prevent overcooking. Heat just until warmed through to maintain tender texture.

FAQs About Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe For Easy And Delicious Meals

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely in cold water before cooking, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn bright pink and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during the 2-3 minute cooking time.

  • What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large-sized shrimp (21-25 count) work great. Peeled and deveined shrimp save time and make the dish easier to prepare.

  • Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty lemon garlic shrimp dance with Mediterranean flavors, bringing coastal sunshine to dinner plates. Succulent shrimp sizzle in buttery garlic sauce, promising restaurant-quality magic you can easily craft at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Fats and Seasonings:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Herbs and Citrus:

  • 1 lemon, juiced and sliced
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large skillet over medium heat, allowing butter to melt smoothly without scorching, creating a rich foundational layer for the dish.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic, ensuring it remains pale golden and does not burn.
  3. Arrange shrimp in a single layer across the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat, cooking undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Carefully flip each shrimp, revealing a golden-brown surface, and continue cooking until they transform into a vibrant pink color and curl slightly.
  5. Drizzle fresh lemon juice into the skillet, adding lemon slices to infuse citrusy brightness, allowing the shrimp to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove skillet from heat, gently incorporate chopped parsley, distributing the herb’s fresh essence throughout the dish.
  7. Transfer shrimp to a serving plate, garnishing with additional parsley and lemon wedges, creating a visually appealing and flavorful presentation ready to be enjoyed immediately.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste and texture, preferably large or jumbo size with shells removed.
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure they sear perfectly and develop a beautiful golden color without steaming.
  • Control heat carefully to prevent butter from burning and garlic from turning bitter, which can ruin the entire dish’s flavor profile.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp, as they become tough and rubbery quickly; 2-3 minutes per side is typically perfect for achieving tender, succulent results.
  • Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by using clarified butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
  • Create a low-carb version by serving shrimp over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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