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Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful main course perfect for a light, healthy meal. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, red pepper flakes, and bright lemon zest and juice, creating a zesty, mildly spicy dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or tacos. Ready in just 16 minutes, it’s an ideal Mediterranean-inspired dish for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking and Flavoring

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)


Instructions

  1. Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring each piece has a light coating for balanced flavor.
  2. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Sauté garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the hot oil, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant without burning.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side, then flip each shrimp and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, signaling they are fully cooked.
  5. Add lemon zest and juice: Just before removing the skillet from the heat, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss the shrimp gently to coat them evenly, infusing bright citrus notes.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a fresh garnish. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor.

Notes

  • This shrimp dish pairs excellently with rice, pasta, or inside tacos for a quick meal.
  • For a richer flavor, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
  • You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.