Description
This Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a flavorful blend of garlic, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and light meal that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and a hint of garlic. Ideal as a main dish served with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 large lemons
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the underside turns pink and opaque, then flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add lemon and seasonings: Pour the fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and stir gently to coat all the shrimp evenly. Let it cook for 1 more minute to marry the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice can lack brightness.
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they become rubbery. They cook quickly once pink and opaque.
- Serve with crusty bread, over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Ensure shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen before cooking for even cooking.
