Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, and basil) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) When I make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet, I use fresh ingredients for the best taste. The shrimp should be large and firm. I always peel and devein them for a clean bite. Garlic adds a great flavor. I use four cloves, minced finely, to get a nice punch. I heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. The oil needs to be hot but not smoking. I add the garlic first. It cooks for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, I toss in the shrimp. One pound of shrimp fills the skillet nicely. For seasoning, I add the juice and zest of one lemon. It brings a bright taste. I sprinkle in red pepper flakes too. This adds some heat. I use one teaspoon, but you can adjust it to your liking. A mix of dried Italian herbs gives the dish depth. I use one teaspoon of this blend. Don't forget salt and pepper. These are key for flavor. Finally, I chop fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and freshness. I serve the shrimp with lemon wedges on the side. This dish comes together fast, and the flavors shine through. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, get your large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. 2. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, but not brown. 1. Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. 2. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side. You’ll see the shrimp start to turn pink. 3. Flip the shrimp for even cooking. 1. Now, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, the juice, and zest of 1 lemon to the skillet. 2. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should be opaque and fully cooked. 3. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Toss fresh chopped parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color. Serve it right away with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing. How to choose fresh shrimp When picking shrimp, look for bright shells. The shrimp should smell like the sea, not fishy. If possible, buy shrimp that is still in the shell. This helps keep it fresh. Check for any black spots or discoloration. These can show that the shrimp is old. Ideal cooking time for shrimp Shrimp cooks quickly. Each side takes about 2-3 minutes. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough. So, keep an eye on the time. Substitutions for ingredients You can swap olive oil for butter for a richer taste. If you don’t have red pepper flakes, use fresh chili instead. For the herbs, any mix of oregano, thyme, or basil works well. You can even use fresh herbs if you have them. Adjusting spice levels to taste Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes. If you prefer less spice, use half the amount. Taste as you cook. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Key: Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Start with less if you're unsure! Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Watch them closely; they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious lemon garlic sauce. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad. {{image_2}} You can make your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet even better by adding veggies. Some great choices are: - Bell peppers - Zucchini - Spinach - Asparagus To add these vegetables, chop them into bite-size pieces. Sauté them in the olive oil before adding the garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then, add the shrimp and continue with the recipe. This boosts nutrition and adds color. If you want to switch things up, try using chicken or fish. Chicken breast works well. Cut it into small pieces and cook it until golden brown. This will take about 6-8 minutes. For fish, use firm types like cod or salmon. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Adjust your cooking times to ensure everything is fully cooked. Presentation matters, especially with a dish like this. Serve the shrimp on a large plate. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of green. Place lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. For side dishes, consider serving it with: - A light salad - Steamed rice - Garlic bread These pair nicely with the flavors and make your meal complete. To store your lemon garlic shrimp, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It will last in the freezer for about one month. When reheating shrimp, choose gentle methods. The microwave works, but it can overcook shrimp. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to ensure even heating. This method helps keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Enjoy your shrimp as if it were fresh! It takes about 5 to 6 minutes to cook shrimp. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just thaw them first under cold water. Pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely. You can serve lemon garlic shrimp with various sides. Some great options include: - Rice or quinoa - Pasta or noodles - Steamed vegetables - A fresh salad These pair well and soak up the tasty flavors. You know shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. They should also be opaque and firm to the touch. If they are still translucent, keep cooking them a bit longer. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and store them in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. However, shrimp taste best fresh. This blog post covered how to make lemon garlic shrimp. You learned about key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. The recipe is easy to follow and offers great flavor. Using fresh shrimp and adjusting spices makes it your own. Try adding veggies or different proteins for variety. Storing and reheating shrimp ensures you enjoy it later. Now, you can impress yourself and others with this dish. Enjoy exploring all the ways to make it your own!$

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet

A quick and flavorful shrimp dish with garlic and lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 whole lemon, juice and zest
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start turning pink.
Flip the shrimp and add the butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the shrimp. Toss to combine.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

Keyword garlic, lemon, quick meal, shrimp, skillet