Zippy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe: Fresh & Tangy Delight

Sizzling seafood meets zesty flavors in this tantalizing lemon-garlic shrimp skillet that promises a quick and delectable meal.

Tender shrimp dance with bright citrus notes and aromatic garlic, creating a mouthwatering experience in just minutes.

The simple yet vibrant combination of ingredients delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Each bite bursts with Mediterranean-inspired freshness and bold seasonings that awaken your taste buds.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this effortless and elegant dish.

The skillet method ensures perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp every single time.

You’ll want to add this easy recipe to your weekly dinner rotation and impress everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in the Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skillet

• Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught shrimp brings ocean-fresh flavor and succulent texture to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat and tenderize shrimp while creating a smooth, silky base for cooking.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty acidity that tenderizes seafood and enhances overall freshness.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean warmth to the recipe.
• Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertones and beautiful reddish color to the shrimp.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers gentle heat and vibrant spiciness for an exciting flavor kick.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that amplifies and balances the natural shrimp flavors.

• Butter: Creates rich, golden foundation that adds luxurious smoothness to the skillet.
• Additional Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning and provides extra cooking lubrication.

• Lemon Slices: Provides decorative touch and additional citrusy brightness to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds crisp green color and herbaceous freshness as final flourish.

Tools for a Sizzling Skillet Success

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for searing and cooking shrimp evenly.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing and marinating shrimp with seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing lemons and chopping parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for mincing garlic and slicing lemons precisely.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Helps accurately measure olive oil and other ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring and flipping shrimp during cooking.
• Spatula: Useful for serving and transferring shrimp to plates.

Cooking Steps for Perfect Lemon Shrimp

• Shrimp Seasoning

Let the shrimp soak up delicious flavors by mixing them with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a sprinkle of spices. Allow the ingredients to mingle and develop a tantalizing taste profile for about 10 minutes.

• Sizzling Skillet Magic

Heat up a skillet with a rich blend of butter and olive oil, creating a golden surface that will transform your shrimp into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Carefully place the marinated shrimp and bright lemon slices into the sizzling pan.

• Perfect Cooking

Watch the shrimp dance in the pan, turning from translucent to a beautiful pink color. Cook each side for just a few moments until they’re tender and fully cooked. The quick cooking ensures juicy, succulent shrimp that will make your taste buds sing.

• Finishing Touch

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and bursting with flavor, ready to be enjoyed straight from the skillet.

Garlic-Lemon Tips & Protein Variations

• Replace shrimp with scallops or white fish fillets for a delightful protein variation that maintains the zesty lemon-garlic flavor profile.
• Increase red pepper flakes for a bolder kick or add cayenne pepper to create a more intense heat level that transforms the dish's warmth.
• Serve over fluffy quinoa, steamed rice, or pasta to absorb the delicious pan juices and turn this skillet recipe into a satisfying full dinner.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top for added crunch, or stir in capers for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired twist that elevates the entire dish.

How to Plate Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Beautifully

• Pair with Zesty Pasta: Toss the lemon-garlic shrimp over al dente linguine or angel hair pasta for a complete and satisfying meal that brings together bright citrus flavors and tender seafood.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery shrimp and add a refreshing texture contrast.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Plate the shrimp with warm, toasted artisan bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a delightful crunchy element to your dining experience.
• Garnish with Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or add a few chopped chives on top to enhance the dish's aroma and provide a vibrant green color that makes the presentation pop.

Best Practices for Keeping It Fresh

• Quick Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any remaining shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume Within Safe Window: Enjoy refrigerated shrimp within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Gently warm leftover shrimp in a skillet with a splash of butter or olive oil to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture, heating only until just warmed through.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Seal cooled shrimp in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 3 months for quick future meals.

Tangy Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Skillet brings zesty flavors from coastal Greece to home kitchens. Quick protein-packed dinner delivers bold garlic notes with citrus undertones that invite diners to savor Mediterranean simplicity.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 grams) shrimp, medium, peeled and deveined
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsps parsley, freshly chopped
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Combine shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, allowing ingredients to meld for 10 minutes at room temperature.
2. Skillet Heating: Melt butter and remaining olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for the seafood.
3. Shrimp Cooking: Carefully introduce marinated shrimp and lemon slices to the heated skillet, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor infusion.
4. Searing Process: Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a golden-pink color transformation and complete opaqueness, indicating perfectly cooked shellfish.
5. Finishing Touch: Remove skillet from heat, plate the succulent shrimp, and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley to enhance visual appeal and aromatic complexity.
6. Serving Recommendation: Present immediately while piping hot to preserve optimal flavor, texture, and gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Marinate with Precision: Let shrimp soak in zesty marinade exactly 10 minutes to maximize flavor absorption without compromising texture.
• Heat Control Matters: Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-pink sear without overcooking delicate shrimp, which can quickly turn rubbery.
• Butter-Oil Balance: Combining butter and olive oil creates rich flavor profile while preventing burning and enhancing caramelization.
• Garnish for Brightness: Fresh parsley adds vibrant color and herbal freshness, elevating the entire dish’s sensory experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg