Introduction
Transform simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality meal with this easy lemon garlic shrimp recipe! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner – quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress the whole family. We’re talking juicy shrimp bursting with bright lemon flavor and a hint of garlic – pure comfort food, elevated!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s unbelievably simple yet delivers incredible flavor. The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and succulent shrimp creates a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients
- 🍤 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🍋 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 💧 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2️⃣ Sauté Garlic & Butter: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3️⃣ Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
4️⃣ Lemon Zest: Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with a side salad.
Handy Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for this recipe. High heat will cook the shrimp too quickly and potentially burn the garlic before the shrimp is cooked through. Low heat will result in overcooked shrimp that are tough and rubbery.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on tender shrimp and a flavorful sauce, you can add a bit of crunch by serving it over a bed of crispy rice or toasted baguette slices.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for extra flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a burst of extra citrusy flavor.
- Use pre-minced garlic to save time, but fresh garlic always tastes best!
Storage Tips
Leftover lemon garlic shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish is perfect for a casual get-together! Serve it in a pretty bowl garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 White Wine Shrimp: Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the skillet along with the lemon juice for a richer flavor.
🌟 Mediterranean Shrimp: Add 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese to the skillet during the last minute of cooking.
🌟 Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Increase the butter to 4 tablespoons and add a tablespoon of lemon zest.
Troubleshooting
- Shrimp is rubbery: This usually means the shrimp were overcooked. Cook them for a shorter time next time, ensuring they are just pink and opaque.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. A cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) can also help thicken the sauce.
- Shrimp is sticking to the pan: Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the shrimp and use enough oil or butter to prevent sticking.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time.
- What kind of rice pairs well with this dish? Plain white rice or even a flavorful jasmine rice is a great choice.
- What substitutions can I make for the parsley? Other fresh herbs like chives or dill would also work well.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini would be delicious additions.
Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try and share your delicious creations with us – we can’t wait to see your pictures! Enjoy!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Family Dinner Winner
A delicious and easy-to-make shrimp dish infused with lemon and garlic, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 20 minutes.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve the shrimp over cooked rice, topped with steamed broccoli and sprinkled with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the skillet while cooking the shrimp.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.