Get ready to dive into a burst of zesty goodness with my favorite shrimp recipeāit’s a quick, spicy, and citrus-y delight that’s sure to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests!
I adore this Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish because it unites the fresh zest of lemon, the skin-wantin’-heat-from crushed red pepper, and the aromatic, all-but-certain-to-make-you-drool garlic to create a nutrient-dense, protein-packed seafood dish. That’s also super-speedy to make.
Did I say I love this dish? Yeah, I really love this dish.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories, and rich in omega-3s.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, good for heart health.
- Garlic: Boosts immunity and adds a pungent, savory flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Brings heat and spice, boosting metabolism.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Provides vitamin C and a fresh, tangy taste.
- Parsley: Rich in vitamins K and C, adds freshness and color.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make this
1. In a large bowl, mix the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper together. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the mixture.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the shrimp mixture to the skillet in a single layer.
3. Prepare the shrimp for roughly 2 minutes on a single side, or until they begin to change to a rosy hue.
4. Turn the shrimp over and add the lemon zest and the lemon juice to the skillet.
5. Keep cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked all the way through. Stir now and then to make sure they cook evenly.
6. Take the skillet off the fire and shower the shrimp with the finely chopped parsley.
7. Distribute the parsley evenly by tossing the shrimp gently.
8. Season to taste with more salt and black pepper if required.
9. Move the shrimp to a platter from which you can serve them. Use some fresh lemon, cut into wedges, to give the shrimp a pretty look right before you serve them.
10. Immediate serving is essential; enjoyment should follow without delay. The shrimp may be eaten solo or as part of a dish featuring pasta or rice.
Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Skillet
4. Stove
5. Spoon or spatula (for stirring and tossing)
6. Lemon zester
7. Lemon juicer
8. Cutting board
9. Knife
10. Platter for serving
FAQ
- Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?A: Yes, you can use cocktail shrimp from the freezer, as long as they are thawed, peeled, and deveined before serving. Composed of veined shrimp, the dish cookbook calls for an oven-safe dish. It can be prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, but a saucepan is the best vessel.
- Q: Is it possible to adjust the spice level?A: Certainly! You may cut down or amp up the amount of crumbled crimson spicy pepper to accommodate your preference for piquancy.
- Q: What’s the best way to zest a lemon?A: Utilize a microplane or fine grater to only zest the yellow portion of the lemon peel from the lemon, neglecting the part that would make it taste bitter. All zest should be made from only the yellow portion of the peel.
- Q: How long should I marinate the shrimp?A: Marinating the shrimp for this recipe is unnecessary. The flavors develop quickly in the pan.
- Q: Can I substitute parsley with another herb?A: Indeed, you can use cilantro or basil instead if you wish to achieve a different flavor profile.
- Q: What should I serve with the shrimp?A: Rice, pasta, or a fresh salad makes a complete meal when served with Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp.
- Q: How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?A: Prepare the shrimp by cooking them until they are entirely pink and not see-through at all, and that usually takes about 2-3 minutes for each side.
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Avocado oil: Use melted butter or coconut oil instead for a flavor closer to that of olive oil.
Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
Red pepper flakes: A substitute for crushed red pepper could be a tiny amount of cayenne pepper. The heat of these two spices is similar.
Lime juice: Substitute in place of lemon juice for a different kind of citrus note.
Fresh parsley, chopped: You can substitute this with fresh cilantro or basil, and still maintain a fresh and herbal flavor. But if you go with basil, don’t be too heavy-handed; its flavor profile is more potent than that of parsley.
Pro Tips
1. Marinate for Extra Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate in the olive oil, garlic, and spice mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the flavors and ensure they penetrate the shrimp.
2. Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for a richer flavor. It will complement the shrimp and the lemon perfectly.
3. Preheat the Skillet Thoroughly: Ensure your skillet is fully preheated before adding the shrimp. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents the shrimp from steaming in their juices.
4. Zest Before Juicing: It’s easier to zest the lemon before juicing it, and the zest will add a delightful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish.
5. Control the Heat: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper. Alternatively, if you like more heat, you can add extra or even include some fresh chili peppers for an additional kick.
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
My favorite Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Skillet
4. Stove
5. Spoon or spatula (for stirring and tossing)
6. Lemon zester
7. Lemon juicer
8. Cutting board
9. Knife
10. Platter for serving
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper together. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the mixture.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the shrimp mixture to the skillet in a single layer.
3. Prepare the shrimp for roughly 2 minutes on a single side, or until they begin to change to a rosy hue.
4. Turn the shrimp over and add the lemon zest and the lemon juice to the skillet.
5. Keep cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked all the way through. Stir now and then to make sure they cook evenly.
6. Take the skillet off the fire and shower the shrimp with the finely chopped parsley.
7. Distribute the parsley evenly by tossing the shrimp gently.
8. Season to taste with more salt and black pepper if required.
9. Move the shrimp to a platter from which you can serve them. Use some fresh lemon, cut into wedges, to give the shrimp a pretty look right before you serve them.
10. Immediate serving is essential; enjoyment should follow without delay. The shrimp may be eaten solo or as part of a dish featuring pasta or rice.
