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To make this dish, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 fresh lemon - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your desired spice level) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon wedges for serving These ingredients create a bright and zesty flavor. The garlic adds depth, while the lemon gives it a fresh kick. You can make this dish even better with a few garnishes. Try adding more chopped parsley on top for color. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes can add more heat. Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal. If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions you can use: - Use shrimp with tails on for a more rustic look. - Swap olive oil for butter for a richer taste. - If you lack fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice works too. - For a milder flavor, skip the red pepper flakes or use just a pinch. These swaps help keep your dish delicious while using what you have on hand. For the full recipe, check the details above. Start by gathering your ingredients. This will make cooking easier. For Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, you need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 fresh lemon - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon wedges for serving Make sure your shrimp are fresh. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the shrimp sear well. Next, mince your garlic and zest the lemon. This prep saves time while cooking. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it shimmer. Once it shines, add the minced garlic. Stir it often to keep it from burning. After about a minute, add the red pepper flakes. This step gives your dish a warm kick. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Gently add your shrimp. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink. Flip the shrimp carefully. Pour in the lemon zest and juice. Cook for another 2–3 minutes. The shrimp should be opaque and coated in sauce. Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Fold in the chopped parsley. This adds freshness and color to your dish. Serve the shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges. To make your shrimp even better, use fresh lemon. The zest and juice give a bright taste. Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice level. Want more zing? Add a pinch more. When cooking, don’t rush. Let the garlic become fragrant, but not brown. This step is key for great flavor. Enjoy the process, and feel free to taste as you go. This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. For the full recipe, check back to ensure you didn’t miss anything. When you pick shrimp, look for bright shells. They should smell like the sea, not fishy. Fresh shrimp have a firm texture and should bounce back when you touch them. If you can, buy shrimp that are wild-caught; they often taste better. Check for any black spots or signs of dryness. These can mean the shrimp is old. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili peppers for a different taste. If you prefer mild flavors, cut back on the red pepper flakes. You can always start small and add more as you cook. Taste your dish while cooking to get it just right. Zesty lemon garlic shrimp pairs well with many sides. Try serving it over rice or pasta for a filling meal. A fresh salad with crisp greens balances the dish well. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables for added flavor and color. A glass of white wine complements the lemon and shrimp nicely. If you're feeling adventurous, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. {{image_4}} You can easily add vegetables to the zesty lemon garlic shrimp. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work great. Start by adding the veggies to the skillet after sautéing the garlic. Cook them for about three minutes before adding the shrimp. This way, you get a colorful dish with more nutrition. The bright flavors of the lemon and garlic will make the veggies shine. If you love heat, try a spicy Cajun version. Swap out the red pepper flakes for Cajun seasoning. Add a teaspoon or more, depending on your taste. You can also include sliced andouille sausage for a hearty meal. This twist brings a smoky flavor that pairs well with the shrimp. The spicy kick will surely impress anyone at your table. Serving zesty lemon garlic shrimp over pasta is a delicious option. Cook your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, according to the package. When the pasta is ready, toss it with the shrimp. This adds a filling element to your dish. The lemon sauce will coat the pasta, making every bite flavorful. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some extra parsley on top. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. To store your leftover zesty lemon garlic shrimp, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. If you keep it longer, the shrimp may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. When reheating, do it gently to keep the shrimp juicy. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice for extra moisture. Stir often and heat just until warm. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. You want to keep that zesty flavor alive! If you want to freeze the shrimp, prepare it first. Let it cool completely and then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. Frozen shrimp can last up to three months. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Cook it right away after thawing for the best taste. Enjoy your zesty lemon garlic shrimp anytime! Cooking shrimp takes about 4 to 6 minutes. You cook them until they turn pink. The exact time may vary based on size. For large shrimp, aim for 2 to 3 minutes per side. If you see them curl up tightly, they’re done. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, reheat them gently on low heat. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. Shrimp become rubbery when overcooked. They also lose their bright color. Properly cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque. If they are tough or dry, they are likely overdone. Always keep an eye on the cooking time for the best results. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections! To make zesty lemon garlic shrimp, use fresh ingredients and follow the steps closely. You learned how to prepare, cook, and enhance flavors. Consider variations like adding veggies or spice to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and follow reheating tips for the best taste later. With these methods and ideas, you can enjoy this dish any time. Happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Savor the bright flavors of this zesty lemon garlic shrimp recipe that's sure to impress! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal using fresh shrimp, garlic, and the perfect touch of lemon zest. This dish is bursting with flavor and easy enough for any home cook. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click to explore the full recipe and discover how to make this irresistible shrimp dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Zest of 1 fresh lemon

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your desired spice level)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium flame until shimmering but not smoking.

    Add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the hot oil; sauté this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.

      Raise the heat to medium-high, then gently add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt and black pepper. Allow the shrimp to cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until they begin to turn a lovely pink color.

        Carefully flip the shrimp over and pour in the lemon zest along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp become fully cooked and opaque. Make sure they are well coated in the aromatic sauce.

          Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chopped parsley, enhancing the dish with a fresh flavor.

            Serve immediately on a platter with extra lemon wedges on the side, allowing your guests to add a burst of zest if they desire.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4