Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the bright, tangy flavor of lemon with the savory goodness of garlic.
This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it is also sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party.
The shrimp are cooked to perfection and coated in a luscious lemon garlic sauce that will have you coming back for more. Pair it with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish that is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Garlic Shrimp, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti) or steamed rice
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
Clean the Shrimp: If using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them, leaving the tails on if desired. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry.
Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Making the Lemon Garlic Sauce
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the liquid simmer for about 2 minutes, or until it has reduced by half.
Add the Butter and Lemon: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the unsalted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the butter has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Combining the Shrimp and Sauce
Return the Shrimp to the Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Toss the shrimp in the lemon garlic sauce to coat them evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serving the Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Prepare the Base: While the shrimp is cooking, prepare your choice of base—cooked pasta or steamed rice.
Plate the Dish: Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp over the pasta or rice. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Chef’s Notes
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp work best for this recipe, but frozen shrimp can also be used. Ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
White Wine: The dry white wine adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a suitable substitute. For a richer flavor, you can also use vegetable broth.
Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste. More garlic will intensify the flavor, while less will make it milder.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for the bright, tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice is not recommended as it lacks the fresh taste.
Pasta or Rice: This dish pairs well with pasta, especially long noodles like linguine or spaghetti. Alternatively, serve it over steamed white or brown rice for a gluten-free option.
Butter: The unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce. If you prefer, you can use a butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition Value
The nutritional values for Lemon Garlic Shrimp can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 5-8g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 1-2g
- Cholesterol: 200-250mg
- Sodium: 600-700mg
- Vitamin A: 10-15% DV
- Vitamin C: 30-35% DV
- Calcium: 10-15% DV
- Iron: 15-20% DV
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the fresh flavors of lemon and garlic with tender, succulent shrimp. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
The tangy lemon garlic sauce pairs beautifully with pasta or rice, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Follow this recipe to bring the taste of a classic seafood dish to your home kitchen, and enjoy the bright, savory flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp. Happy cooking!
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