Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Lemon garlic shrimp is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines zesty citrus flavors with the rich aroma of garlic. This versatile meal can be served over pasta or rice, making it perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

To start with this easy lemon garlic shrimp recipe, you will need a few basic ingredients. Fresh shrimp are the star of this dish and pair wonderfully with the flavors of lemon and garlic. Olive oil adds a rich flavor while also helping to cook the shrimp evenly. Garlic is essential for building the base flavor, and fresh parsley can be used as garnish to give it an extra punch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse your shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This ensures that they cook evenly without any excess moisture which can cause steam during cooking, resulting in overcooked shrimp.

2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking. Ensure that your oil temperature is right so you don’t end up burning the garlic.

3. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic into the heated oil and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant and golden. Overcooking can lead to bitter flavors, so keep an eye on it as it only takes a few seconds once the aroma starts to develop.

4. Cook Shrimp: Carefully add your shrimp into the skillet with the garlic. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating that they are fully cooked.

5. Mix Lemon Zest & Juice: Once the shrimp have been thoroughly cooked, stir in the lemon zest and juice to coat everything well with an aromatic citrus flavor.

6. Seasoning: Taste your dish; it should be a balance of salty, sour, and savory flavors. Adjust seasoning according to your preference by adding salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit more kick in taste, consider adding some red pepper flakes towards the end.

7. Garnish & Serve: Fresh parsley adds a bright color and fresh flavor when garnished on top of your dish before serving. This simple yet stunning presentation will elevate any meal into something special.

Tips for Success

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Ensure that you use good quality olive oil; extra virgin is recommended as it has a better taste and health benefits compared to others.

Use fresh garlic cloves rather than pre-minced ones if possible, as the texture difference can affect how well they cook. Also, always be mindful not to overcook the garlic so that it doesn't become bitter; you want your dish to have a harmonious balance of flavors.

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Don’t skip rinsing the shrimp; this helps remove any saltiness from the shrimp's natural casing and ensures they are as fresh tasting as possible.

The key here is timing - overcooking will cause them to become tough while undercooked shrimp can be unsafe to eat. Monitor their color closely once they start turning pink, typically within 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat.

Nutritional Information

This recipe provides a quick and nutritious meal packed with protein from the shrimp along with healthy fats from olive oil, all while keeping calories in check through careful portion control. The lemon adds vitamin C beneficial for skin health, and garlic contains antioxidants known to support immune function.

Conclusion

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p>Lemon Garlic Shrimp is not only delicious but also simple enough for even beginners in the kitchen. Whether you're looking for an impressive meal to serve guests or just want to treat yourself on a busy weeknight, this dish delivers satisfaction every time. Try it out soon and enjoy its delightful taste!