How to Make a Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Lemon garlic shrimp is a popular dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or served over rice for an easy meal. Its tangy lemon and pungent garlic flavors make it a favorite among food enthusiasts looking for something both comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Juice from ½ lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
Chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes; Servings: 4-6

Making this dish is simple enough that even beginners can attempt it in their kitchen. Follow these steps to create a delicious and aromatic meal:

Instructions

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring not to burn the garlic. Garlic burns easily; hence, you should keep an eye on it during cooking.
Once the garlic turns golden-brown, add the shrimp to the skillet and season them with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice.
Cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring so that the bottom side gets nicely caramelized. Flip each shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Once done, stir in butter and remaining lemon juice. Taste and add more salt or pepper if necessary. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh lemon zest: Freshly zested lemon adds a vibrant citrus flavor, which enhances the overall taste of your dish. If you're pressed for time, you can use pre-zested lemon.
Add vegetables: To make this recipe more substantial, consider adding some sautéed spinach or asparagus right before serving. It complements perfectly with the flavors in your lemon garlic shrimp.
Try it with pasta: Serve this dish over a bed of angel hair pasta for a complete meal that's quick and easy to prepare.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: < 1g
Protein: 29g
Sodium: 460mg

Presentation Tips

To make your dish look more appealing, here are some presentation tips:

Ensure that the shrimp are evenly cooked and have a nice golden-brown color on their outside. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also indicates proper internal cooking.
Arrange the cooked shrimp on a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs like thyme for an extra touch of freshness and color.
If serving over pasta, make sure to top it with some additional lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil before plating up your dish.

Storage & Leftovers

This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have any leftovers:

Cover the pan: Once cooled down, cover and refrigerate the leftover lemon garlic shrimp in an airtight container.
Pasta storage: If served over pasta, leave it to cool completely before storing. Pasta absorbs flavors easily but can also become soggy when reheated.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the dish in an oven or microwave until heated through but avoid overcooking which may lead to a loss of flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic shrimp is a versatile dish that can be customized according to your taste preferences. By following these simple steps, you will create a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main course, this recipe offers both simplicity and sophistication. Try it out today in your kitchen!