If you’re looking for a dish that’s as bright and vibrant as a sunny day, my *best lemon garlic shrimp recipe* is exactly what you need! It’s one of those meals that’s quick to whip up but feels gourmet at the same time. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of garlic and lemon wafting through my kitchen was absolutely intoxicating! The shrimp turn out perfectly tender, and the flavors are just a match made in culinary heaven. Plus, it takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy date night. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delightful, zesty shrimp dish!
Ingredients List
Gather these fresh ingredients to make the *best lemon garlic shrimp recipe* come to life:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Using fresh shrimp and high-quality olive oil really makes a difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on these! You’ll notice it in every delicious bite.
How to Prepare the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Getting this dish ready is a breeze, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together! First, let’s start by combining all the ingredients to let those flavors meld beautifully. In a bowl, toss the shrimp, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good mix, then let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This step is essential for infusing the shrimp with that zesty flavor!
While the shrimp is marinating, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated shrimp to the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have a lot of shrimp, consider cooking them in batches to ensure they sear nicely. Once they’re cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve right away for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
And just like that, you’ve got a stunning dish ready to impress!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my *best lemon garlic shrimp recipe*: about 220 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of protein, and 5g of carbohydrates. Of course, these values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of the healthy goodness packed into this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick, ready in just 21 minutes!
- Fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten any meal.
- Healthy ingredients, packed with protein and low in calories.
- Perfectly tender shrimp with a delightful garlic and lemon kick.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with various sides.
- Great for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Tips for Success
- Choose the right shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes a world of difference! Look for shrimp with a mild ocean scent and firm texture.
- Don’t skip the marinating: Letting the shrimp sit in the marinade for 15 minutes is key to infusing all that delicious garlic and lemon flavor.
- Watch your heat: Medium-high heat is ideal for cooking shrimp quickly. Too low, and they’ll get chewy; too high, and they might burn!
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds vibrancy and freshness, so don’t be shy with it!
- Serve immediately: Shrimp are best enjoyed right after cooking, so have your sides ready to go!
Variations
If you want to mix things up with my *best lemon garlic shrimp recipe*, here are a few delicious variations to consider:
- Add spice: Toss in some diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb swap: Try using fresh basil or cilantro instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable boost: Sauté some bell peppers or spinach alongside the shrimp for added nutrients and color.
- Coconut twist: Replace olive oil with coconut oil and add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical flair.
These options keep the dish fresh and exciting, so feel free to get creative!
Serving Suggestions
To make the most of my *best lemon garlic shrimp recipe*, consider pairing it with some delightful sides! A fluffy bed of jasmine rice or quinoa works beautifully to soak up that zesty garlic-lemon sauce. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve it over al dente pasta, like linguine or spaghetti, for a comforting meal. You could also toss in a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness. Trust me, these combinations will elevate your shrimp dish to new heights!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers from my *best lemon garlic shrimp recipe*, storing them properly is key to keeping that amazing flavor! Let the shrimp cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, or they might turn rubbery. Enjoy your delicious shrimp again!
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Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe for 20-Minute Bliss
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and flavorful lemon garlic shrimp recipe that highlights fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Let the mixture marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: best lemon garlic shrimp recipe
