Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Published:

by deliciouscorner

Leave a Comment

The tantalizing aroma of sizzling shrimp mingling with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic will make your mouth water even before that first bite. Picture a warm evening where you gather with friends around a table filled with laughter—and this delightful dish making its grand entrance.

Jump to:

I remember the first time I made lemon garlic shrimp; my family thought I had summoned some culinary magic! The bright flavors danced on our palates, making it an instant favorite for summer gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This lemon garlic shrimp recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
  • The burst of citrusy flavor complements the tender shrimp beautifully
  • Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, this dish adds elegance to any meal
  • It’s versatile enough to serve over pasta or alongside a fresh salad

I still chuckle recalling how my brother tried to impress his date with this dish—his flustered attempts at cooking only added to the fun!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works great; just ensure it’s peeled and deveined before cooking.
  • Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic enhances the aroma beautifully.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; bottled juice just can’t compete with that bright zing.
  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; it’s the base for sautéing your shrimp.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley brings color and freshness; chop finely for an elegant garnish.

For seasoning:

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors; don’t skimp on seasoning!
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch if you like heat; it gives an exciting kick to the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that perfect sear during cooking.

Mince Your Garlic: Chop your fresh garlic cloves as finely as possible; this ensures they infuse throughout the dish beautifully without overpowering it.

Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. The sound of sizzling oil is music to any cook’s ears!

Add Shrimp and Seasoning: Toss in your shrimp along with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Add Lemon Juice & Garlic: Stir in minced garlic after flipping the shrimp to avoid burning. Squeeze in that gorgeous lemon juice right after for a burst of flavor.

Finish with Parsley: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. This adds both color and a fresh taste that makes all the difference!

And there you have it—your very own plate of zesty lemon garlic shrimp ready to impress everyone at your table!

You Must Know

  • Lemon garlic shrimp is not just a dish; it’s a burst of freshness that dances on your palate
  • This quick and easy recipe can elevate any ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary experience
  • The aromas alone will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic while preparing your other ingredients. Sear the shrimp in a hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side, ensuring they are succulent and flavorful.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite herbs like parsley or basil. You can also spice things up with red pepper flakes or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lemon garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp works too but thaw it properly first
  • Avoid overcooking the shrimp as they can become rubbery, aiming for a nice pink hue
  • Pair with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Sharing this delightful lemon garlic shrimp recipe reminds me of summer nights spent with friends, laughing over plates of buttery shrimp while sipping chilled white wine. Those evenings filled with joy and laughter are what cooking is all about.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for lemon garlic shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.

What sides go well with lemon garlic shrimp?

Pair it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

How long does it take to cook lemon garlic shrimp?

Cooking time is around 5-6 minutes total, depending on size and heat level.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: deleciouscorner
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Lemon garlic shrimp is a quick and zesty dish that combines tender shrimp with aromatic garlic and fresh lemon juice, perfect for any meal occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Mince the garlic finely to enhance flavor infusion.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
  5. Stir in minced garlic after flipping the shrimp to prevent burning. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for added flavor.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg

Next Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star