Description
Lemon Garlic Shrimp brings zesty Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum taste. Tender shrimp dance in a tangy garlic sauce that makes weeknight cooking feel like a quick culinary escape.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
Liquids and Oils:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons (about ¼ cup)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse 1 pound of large shrimp under cold water, then meticulously pat each shrimp completely dry using paper towels to ensure optimal searing.
- Warm 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F), then gently add 4 minced garlic cloves, stirring for exactly 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Carefully place shrimp into the hot skillet in a single layer, sprinkling ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper across the surface.
- Cook shrimp for precisely 2 minutes on the first side, watching for a golden-brown color developing on the bottom, then flip each piece and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until they turn completely pink and opaque.
- Pour ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons) over the shrimp, gently swirling the pan to combine and create a light sauce for 15 seconds.
- Remove skillet from heat immediately, transferring shrimp to a serving plate with a slotted spoon to drain excess liquid.
- Chop fresh parsley and generously sprinkle over the shrimp as a bright, fresh garnish just before serving.
Notes
- Always start with completely dry shrimp to ensure perfect golden searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Choose large or jumbo shrimp for best texture and easiest cooking, which prevents overcooking and rubbery results.
- Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance for a personalized flavor profile.
- For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg