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To make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, you need a few key ingredients. - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a fresh, bright, and delicious dish. The shrimp serve as the main star, while the garlic and lemon add layers of flavor. I love how simple it is to find these ingredients in any grocery store. You can use the Full Recipe to guide you through making this dish. Each ingredient plays a role in making your meal tasty and memorable. Cooking the Garlic Start by heating the olive oil and butter in your skillet. Use medium heat until the butter melts. Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute. You want it to smell great but not burn. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic tastes bitter. Combining Flavors in the Skillet Once the garlic is fragrant, stir in the red pepper flakes and dried oregano. Let these spices bloom for about 30 seconds. This step unlocks their full flavor. The oil gets infused with a zesty kick, preparing for the shrimp. Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection Now it’s time for the shrimp. Add them in a single layer to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on one side. Don’t touch them; let them turn pink. After that, flip the shrimp over. Add lemon zest and juice at this point. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are fully opaque. This means they are done! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything to coat the shrimp in that zesty sauce. For the finishing touch, remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Follow these steps for a fresh and tasty dish. For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. Garlic Cooking Tips Garlic adds a great flavor. Mince it finely for the best taste. Cook garlic over medium heat. This helps it release its aroma. Watch it closely. You do not want it to burn. Burned garlic tastes bitter. Balancing Brightness and Spice Lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Adjust the red pepper flakes for spice. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more heat. This balance makes the dish exciting. Ensuring Tender Shrimp Cook shrimp quickly to keep them tender. They only need 2-3 minutes per side. When they turn pink, they’re ready. Overcooking makes them rubbery and tough. Remove them from heat as soon as they are opaque. This keeps them juicy and delicious. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_2}} If you want to mix it up, try using other proteins. You can use chicken, scallops, or even tofu. Each option brings a unique taste. Chicken works great with the same zesty sauce. Scallops give a sweet flavor, while tofu adds a nice texture. Herbs can change your dish. If you don’t have oregano, use thyme or basil. Both add a fresh twist. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried. Fresh herbs bring a bright flavor. Just add them at the end for the best taste. You control the heat! If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, reduce the amount or leave it out. You can also include other spices like paprika or cayenne. Each choice lets you create a dish that fits your taste. Explore these swaps to make your Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp even more exciting! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Refrigeration Guidelines After cooking Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, let it cool slightly. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Always check for any smell or change in color before eating. Freezing Instructions If you want to save leftovers, freezing is a good option. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, use a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating Best Practices To reheat, you can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or oil. Heat on low until warm. In the microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! How do I make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp the best way? To make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp taste amazing, follow these tips: - Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor. - Don't rush cooking the garlic; it needs just a minute. - Add lemon juice and zest at the right time to keep the flavors bright. - Cook the shrimp until they are pink and opaque. For a full guide, check the Full Recipe. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This method helps keep the shrimp tender. Frozen shrimp may have a bit less flavor, but they will still work. What goes well as a side dish? Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Simple rice, like jasmine or basmati. - A fresh green salad with a light dressing. - Roasted vegetables for a tasty contrast. These sides will balance the shrimp's bright flavors. This article shared everything you need for perfect Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp. You learned about essential ingredients, simple cooking steps, and tips for the best flavor. We covered variations to suit your taste and how to store leftovers. Cooking shrimp can be easy and fun. With fresh ingredients and clear steps, you can create a dish everyone will love. Enjoy crafting your own version of this recipe!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Savor the flavors of the sea with this easy Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive guest dish, this delicious shrimp is cooked in a vibrant lemon garlic sauce with just the right kick from red pepper flakes. Ready in only 15 minutes, it's packed with flavor and nutrients. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted.

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Stir in the red pepper flakes and dried oregano, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil for about 30 seconds.

        Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, until they turn pink.

          Flip the shrimp over, then add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully opaque and tender.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste, tossing everything together to ensure each shrimp is coated in the zesty sauce.

              Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4