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Skillet-Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Skillet-Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling lemon garlic shrimp brings a taste of Mediterranean sunshine right to your dinner table. Tender shrimp dance with zesty garlic and fresh lemon, creating a simple yet delightful meal that comes together in minutes and feels like a restaurant-quality treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Proteins:

  • 1 pound (lb) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Liquid and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Pat the 1 lb of large shrimp completely dry using paper towels to ensure a perfect golden sear.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
  3. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and optional ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, stirring quickly for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  4. Carefully arrange shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 1½ minutes on first side.
  5. Flip each shrimp and cook an additional 1½ minutes until they transform from translucent to pink and opaque.
  6. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest over the shrimp and immediately squeeze 2 tablespoons lemon juice across the pan.
  7. Toss shrimp gently to coat with citrus and garlic sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
  9. Garnish with 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming.
  • Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor, and mince it finely to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
  • For a lighter version, swap butter with extra olive oil and use large prawns for a more substantial meal.
  • If avoiding heat, skip the chili flakes or replace with a tiny pinch of smoked paprika for depth without spiciness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Sautéed
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg