![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon slices for garnish To make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, start with fresh shrimp. You want shrimp that is large and firm. Peel and devein them before cooking. The garlic adds a nice punch. Mince four cloves for the best flavor. Fresh lemon juice gives a bright taste. You will need 1/4 cup of it. Next, the seasonings make this dish pop. Zest one lemon to add a burst of citrus flavor. Olive oil helps to cook the shrimp and adds richness. Use 1/4 cup. If you like heat, add red chili flakes. One teaspoon is perfect. Salt and black pepper are key for taste. You need 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Fresh parsley gives a nice touch. Use 2 tablespoons, chopped. Finally, lemon slices are great for garnish. They brighten the dish and add flair. Ready to cook? You can find the full recipe above. To start, grab a medium bowl. In it, combine: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for spice) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Whisk these ingredients well. This marinade packs a punch of flavor that will infuse the shrimp. Now, take 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Add them to your marinade. Toss gently to coat each shrimp evenly. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up the zesty flavors. Next, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Make sure not to crowd the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. They should turn pink and slightly char. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove them from the heat. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. You can serve this dish right away, garnished with lemon slices. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make your Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp, garlic, and lemons pack great flavor. Always choose the best you can find. You can also adjust heat levels with red chili flakes. If you want more spice, add more flakes. For less heat, skip them altogether. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking shrimp. If you add too many, they will steam instead of sear. This can make them tough and chewy. Cook shrimp in batches if needed. Make sure the shrimp cook properly. They should turn pink and opaque, which shows they are done. Pair your shrimp with sides for a complete meal. Rice, pasta, or a fresh salad work well. They balance the strong lemon and garlic flavors. For presentation, add lemon slices and parsley. These bright colors make your dish pop and look inviting. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to the Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp for extra flavor and nutrition. Here are some great choices: - Cherry tomatoes - Bell peppers - Zucchini - Spinach - Broccoli Just chop veggies into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into the marinade with the shrimp. This adds color and crunch. Cooking times may vary. Just make sure veggies are tender but not mushy. If you don’t want to use shrimp, try chicken or tofu. For chicken, use boneless breasts or thighs. Cut them into cubes. Marinate them the same way. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until golden. For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then cut into cubes. Marinate like the shrimp. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside. You can play with herbs and spices to enhance the dish. Here are some options to consider: - Fresh basil - Thyme - Oregano - Cilantro Add these to the marinade or sprinkle them on the shrimp before serving. They will bring new flavors to the dish. Experiment and find your favorite combinations! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After you enjoy your Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, store any leftovers right away. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. You can refrigerate cooked shrimp for up to three days. If you wait too long, they may spoil. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, be careful not to overcook them. The best way is to heat shrimp gently. You can use a skillet on medium heat. Add a little olive oil to keep them moist. Stir often for 2-3 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking to avoid rubbery shrimp. Yes, you can freeze cooked shrimp! To do this, let them cool first. Place shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Press out the air and seal it tight. Cooked shrimp can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready, thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight. This keeps them safe and tasty. Shrimp cook fast. They usually take 3 to 5 minutes. Look for these signs: - Color Change: Raw shrimp are gray. Cooked shrimp turn pink. - Shape: They curl into a C shape when done. - Texture: Cooked shrimp feel firm, not mushy. If you see these signs, your shrimp are ready! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Here’s how to thaw them: - Refrigerator Method: Place shrimp in the fridge overnight. - Cold Water Method: Seal shrimp in a bag. Soak in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp sear better. Pair shrimp with tasty sides for a complete meal. Here are my top picks: - Rice: White or brown rice adds a nice base. - Pasta: Toss shrimp with spaghetti for a delightful dish. - Salad: A fresh green salad balances the meal. - Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Yes! Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a healthy choice. Here’s why: - Low in Calories: Shrimp are low in calories but high in protein. - Rich in Nutrients: They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. - Fresh Ingredients: Using garlic and lemon adds flavor and nutrition without extra fat. Enjoy this dish guilt-free! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. In this article, we explored how to make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp. We covered the main ingredients, detailed steps, and tips for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients and proper cooking make a big difference. You can also try adding veggies or swapping shrimp with chicken or tofu for variety. Storing leftovers properly ensures they last. This dish is not only tasty but healthy, too. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this simple yet flavorful recipe!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/d0c4647a-b3b3-4cad-b617-04cf72deaab2-250x250.webp)
Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Delight your taste buds with this zesty lemon garlic shrimp recipe! This quick and easy dish features plump shrimp marinated in a tangy blend of lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it's sure to impress. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a flavorful meal ready to serve. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a burst of citrus to your kitchen today!