Lemon Garlic Shrimp Dinner Recipe

This dish is a vibrant celebration of flavors that dances on your palate with every bite. Imagine succulent shrimp sautéed to perfection with fragrant garlic and a zesty splash of lemon. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day! Picture this on your dinner table—golden shrimp glistening under the kitchen lights, begging you to dig in.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Dinner for my friends. The aroma filled the house like an inviting welcome mat, drawing them into the kitchen like moths to a flame. It became our go-to dish for casual get-togethers—a guaranteed hit every time!

I once made this for my family during a surprise visit—they devoured it in minutes and requested seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are deveined and peeled for ease.
• Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic gives it that aromatic kick.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it in this recipe.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps with cooking.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a delightful kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also freshness at the end.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that elevates every ingredient in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Work: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter—this makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable! Rinse the shrimp under cold water if using frozen ones; they should be thawed before cooking.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle until golden brown—watch closely so it doesn’t burn as burnt garlic tastes bitter.

Add the Shrimp: Toss in your shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until they turn pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side is usually perfect. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through!

Squeeze That Lemon: Once your shrimp are beautifully cooked, splash in freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle red pepper flakes for that extra zing. Stir everything together as those citrusy aromas fill your kitchen.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Give it one last stir before serving—it’s like confetti on this flavor-packed dish! Pair it with rice or pasta if you want something hearty.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful when you have such simple yet fantastic ingredients at hand! Enjoy your culinary adventure with this amazing Lemon Garlic Shrimp Dinner recipe!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add shrimp until pink. Cook pasta separately, tossing everything together last for a perfect blend of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a twist! You can also sprinkle some chili flakes for added heat or toss in seasonal veggies like asparagus for extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain tender shrimp without overcooking.

Memories of my first Lemon Garlic Shrimp Dinner come flooding back—the aroma wafting through the house, my friends’ delighted faces, and me trying not to burn anything!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Dinner?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to guarantee even cooking and texture.

What can I substitute for pasta in this recipe?

Zucchini noodles or quinoa work beautifully as gluten-free alternatives while adding unique textures to the dish.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness and flavor.

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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Dinner

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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Dinner is a quick, flavorful meal featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with aromatic garlic and a zesty lemon kick. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests!

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Seafood

Ingredients

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• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients. If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cold water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet; season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately over rice or alongside a fresh salad.

Notes

• For added heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
•  Customize your dish by adding seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or bell peppers during cooking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 200mg