Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

With summer nights rolling in like a gentle wave on a warm beach, nothing says “I’m ready for dinner” quite like a plate of Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp.

succulent shrimp swimming in a zesty sauce that dances between the realms of spicy and tangy, filling your kitchen with an aroma that could make anyone swoon.

And let me tell you, every time I whip up this dish, my family stares at me as if I’ve just discovered fire. “How do you make it taste like sunshine?” they ask. Trust me; once you get your hands on this recipe, you’ll be the rockstar chef at every potluck and dinner party!

I still remember the first time I made Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp for my best friend’s birthday dinner. The look on her face was priceless – sheer delight mixed with bewilderment over how something so simple could taste so good.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for an aromatic punch; minced garlic elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it here.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount based on your spice preference; these little flakes pack quite a punch!
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance richness and depth in flavor.

For garnishing:

• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: A sprinkle of these herbs adds freshness and visual appeal to the final dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve alongside for an extra squeeze of lemon goodness right before devouring.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures they cook evenly without excess moisture.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—as those garlicky notes fill the air.

Add the Shrimp: Toss in the cleaned shrimp into the skillet. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque—approximately 3-5 minutes on each side will do the trick.

Spice It Up!: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over your cooking shrimp along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well so every morsel gets coated in that fiery goodness.

Lemon Zing!: Once your shrimp are cooked through, drizzle in fresh lemon juice while stirring everything together. Let it bubble for another minute to meld those flavors.

Plate and Garnish!: Transfer your spicy lemon garlic shrimp onto a serving platter. Garnish generously with chopped parsley or cilantro and arrange lemon wedges around for that extra pizzazz.

And there you have it! A delectable plate of Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the shrimp in lemon juice and spices, then sauté them in a hot pan for a quick cook. This ensures juicy, flavorful bites without overcooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu, and play around with spices like paprika or cumin. Customizing this dish can lead to new favorite flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the shrimp’s tenderness.

Sharing my first experience making Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! They even begged me for the recipe, which made me feel like a culinary rockstar.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them properly before marinating and cooking.

What can I serve with Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp?

Serve it over rice or pasta for a deliciously complete meal that satisfies.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when perfectly cooked, usually about 3-5 minutes on high heat.

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Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

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Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish bursting with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a kick of spice—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a weeknight dinner.

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 3-5 minutes on each side.
4. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the shrimp; stir well to coat.
5. Drizzle in fresh lemon juice, stirring everything together for another minute.
6. Serve hot on a platter, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges.

Notes

•  For an extra kick, consider adding more red pepper flakes or incorporating other spices like paprika.
•  This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
•  Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 200mg