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Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
In this article, we will explore a simple yet delicious recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp. This dish is not only perfect for special occasions but also ideal for weeknight dinners when you want to impress your family with something new. The combination of tangy lemon and garlicky butter makes it a favorite among many!
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes, making it quick and easy to prepare. You will need about 8 servings.
Ingredients Needed
- 30 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Paprika for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation: Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, ensuring they are well cleaned. Mince the garlic finely. While waiting for these steps, you can also chop the parsley if using.
Heat up a large skillet over medium heat. Once it is hot enough, add the olive oil to the pan. Let it sizzle for about a minute or until it just starts to shimmer. This step helps in ensuring that your shrimp will cook evenly and remain juicy once done.
Cooking: Add the garlic into the skillet and stir continuously for about 30 seconds. The goal is to get a slight golden color, which adds flavor without burning the garlic. Next, add the butter and let it melt completely before pouring in the fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine all these ingredients. It's important that the lemon juice is incorporated smoothly so you don't have any lumps.
Once your sauce has come together nicely, season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Finally, add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly ensuring all pieces of shrimp are covered in the flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.
Tips for Success
- For best results, ensure that you have preheated your pan well before adding any ingredients. Cold pans can cause the exterior of the shrimp to overcook while the inside remains undercooked.
- Avoid overcrowding your skillet; giving each piece of shrimp enough space allows them to cook properly without sticking together.
- While cooking, keep an eye on the shrimp as they will turn opaque and pink when fully cooked. It generally takes around 2-3 minutes per side for the shrimp to reach this point if you're using fresh shrimp. If you are working with frozen shrimp, increase that time slightly but monitor carefully so as not to overcook them.
Garnish & Serve
Once your lemon garlic shrimp is perfectly cooked, it's ready for garnishing and serving! For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Alternatively, a dash of paprika would add that little something extra if desired.
This dish can be served immediately after preparation with hot buttery rice or pasta. The flavors will complement each other perfectly creating a satisfying meal. You could also serve it alongside a crisp green salad for added freshness and texture contrast.
Health Benefits
Lemon Garlic Shrimp is not only delicious but beneficial too! Shrimps are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support brain function. They also provide essential nutrients like protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. The lemon used in this recipe aids digestion while providing a refreshing tangy flavor.
Garlic has numerous health benefits including fighting off infections, reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, enhancing immune system functioning, lowering risk of various cancers, and more. Butter, however, should be consumed sparingly due to its high saturated fat content which can lead to weight gain if not balanced with other dietary choices.
To sum up, this simple yet versatile Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish is packed with flavor and nutritional value making it a great addition to any meal plan. Whether you’re hosting dinner guests or just looking for something quick and tasty for your family, give it a try!
Enjoy your cooking time and happy eating! Remember, good food starts from the heart and continues on our plates.