When I first made the best lemon garlic shrimp recipe, I was surprised by how incredibly easy yet flavorful it turned out. The bright zest of lemon mixed with the garlic and buttery sauce created an unforgettable taste. What’s more, it’s a one-pan recipe, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner recipe or something to pair with your favorite side dishes, this shrimp recipe is a winner. For a heartier option, you can also enjoy a dish like chicken parmesan casserole alongside this flavorful seafood recipe.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Here’s what you need to gather before you get started on this simple yet exquisite recipe:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Pat the shrimp dry for a perfect sear and tender texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the shrimp.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground): Adds a subtle kick of warmth.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives the dish a slight smokiness and beautiful color.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin): Prevents the butter from burning and helps with the sear.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides the strong yet inviting aroma you expect from garlic-based dishes.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a mild heat, balancing the richness of the butter.
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced): Offers a fresh citrus tang to lift the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh burst of color and flavor as a garnish.
Note: This recipe makes enough for four servings, perfect for a dinner for two or a family meal.
Variations You Can Try
Looking to adapt this dish to your dietary preferences or add a unique spin? Here are a few ideas:
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil.
- Low-Carb: Pair with roasted cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Extra Heat: Double the red pepper flakes or add cayenne for a spicier kick.
- Herbal Twist: Swap parsley for fresh cilantro or dill to give it a distinct flavor profile.
For a complete meal, you might also like to try a bowl of quick and easy chicken fried rice as a side dish. The combination is absolutely divine!
Cooking Time
This dish doesn’t take long to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make lemon garlic shrimp, you’ll need these tools:
- Large skillet: For cooking the shrimp and creating the sauce.
- Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic a breeze.
- Microplane or zester: For getting that fine lemon zest.
- Citrus juicer: Helps extract every last drop of lemon juice.
- Tongs: Perfect for flipping the shrimp for even cooking.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp
To make a flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients and a simple technique to create a zesty, savory meal. Follow these steps for a quick and delicious shrimp dinner that packs a punch of flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step to ensure they sear beautifully in the pan rather than steam. Add salt, pepper, and paprika to the shrimp, ensuring they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Add butter and olive oil to a large skillet and heat them over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and starts sizzling, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Pan-sear them for around 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Garnish
Remove the pan from heat. Zest the lemon directly over the shrimp and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice for a citrusy finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful garnish.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve the lemon garlic shrimp immediately to retain its succulent texture and vibrant flavors.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few tricks to enhance this dish. Here’s what works best for me:
- Use fresh ingredients like garlic and lemon for the most vibrant flavors.
- Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the shrimp to ensure they sear properly.
- For even cooking, keep the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest, as it brightens up the entire dish.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp
This dish pairs beautifully with a range of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:
- Serve over al dente angel hair pasta or creamy risotto for a hearty option.
- Pair it with steamed asparagus or a light garden salad for a fresh contrast.
- Spoon the shrimp and sauce over your favorite grain, like quinoa or couscous.
For a multiple-course dinner, check out more ideas from dinner recipes to complement your meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for one serving of lemon garlic shrimp:
- Calories: 192
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 10g
How to Store Lemon Garlic Shrimp
For leftovers, proper storage ensures the dish stays fresh and delicious:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, taking care not to overcook the shrimp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this lemon garlic shrimp recipe. Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in just 10 minutes with one pan.
- Versatile: Suitable for various sides, from pasta to salads.
- Perfect for Dietary Needs: Naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for dairy-free diets.
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce is irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or hosting friends.
FAQs
How long does it take to pan-cook shrimp?
Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually taking just 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet.
Can you use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
How do you make the most flavorful shrimp?
The key is seasoning your shrimp properly, using fresh ingredients, and not overcooking them.