Introduction
A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and a hint of spice. Great as an appetizer, light meal, or served over rice or pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Pour in lemon juice and zest, stirring to coat shrimp evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to let the flavors meld.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Variation
- Spicy Cajun Style: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning along with the red pepper flakes to create a bold, smoky flavor. This works particularly well when served with creamy grits or crusty bread.
- Herb Butter Twist: Replace olive oil with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and add fresh thyme or rosemary for a richer, more aromatic dish. This version pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables.
- Garlic Cream Shrimp: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream after the shrimp is cooked for a creamy, indulgent sauce. Stir well and serve over pasta for a comforting meal.
Cooking Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked spaghetti or linguine for a quick and satisfying main course. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Pair with Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a light and healthy meal. The fresh lemon and garlic flavors complement the veggies beautifully.
- Appetizer Idea: Present the shrimp on small skewers or over toasted baguette slices for a fancy appetizer option. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a perfect party dish.
Tips
- Marinate for More Flavor: If time permits, marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness of the shrimp.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a significant difference in taste compared to bottled lemon juice. They add brightness and elevate the dish to restaurant-quality.
- Frozen Shrimp Tips: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. Excess moisture can dilute the sauce and prevent the shrimp from searing properly.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Add the pre-cooked shrimp during the last minute of cooking to avoid overcooking and drying them out. This ensures they stay tender while absorbing the sauce’s flavor. - What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley isn’t available, you can use dried parsley, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Another great option is fresh cilantro, which adds a slightly different but complementary flavor profile. - How can I make this dish more filling?
Serve the shrimp over cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta. For a low-carb option, consider serving it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Adding a side of garlic bread can also make it a heartier meal. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce and cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure the shrimp remain tender and juicy.
Conclusion
Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the bright, fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. Perfect as a light meal, appetizer, or even a topping for pasta or rice, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Try this simple recipe, and elevate your weeknight dinners with minimal effort but maximum taste!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and a hint of spice. Great as an appetizer, light meal, or served over rice or pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Pour in lemon juice and zest, stirring to coat shrimp evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to let the flavors meld.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 580 mg (varies with seasoning)
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Lemon garlic shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, zesty shrimp