Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 large lemon - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon slices, for garnish When I make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, I start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh shrimp is key, so look for large, firm shrimp. The garlic adds a punch of flavor, while the lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. The olive oil brings everything together, giving the shrimp a lovely sheen. For seasoning, I use sea salt and black pepper, which enhance the natural taste of the shrimp. If you like a kick, add red chili flakes for some heat. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. Finally, lemon slices make for a beautiful garnish. They add a vibrant touch to the plate. You can find the full recipe for Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with all these ingredients in one place. Enjoy crafting this simple, zesty dish! - Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and zest in a bowl. - Add seasonings and whisk until blended. - Toss shrimp in marinade and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Marinating gives the shrimp a zesty flavor. The lemon juice adds brightness. Garlic brings depth, making each bite exciting. - Preheat skillet over medium-high heat. - Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2-3 minutes on one side. - Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until opaque. The skillet should be hot. A good sear makes the shrimp tasty. Watch for the color change to know they are done. - Sprinkle with fresh parsley. - Serve immediately with lemon slices. Fresh parsley adds color and aroma. Lemon slices enhance the dish's brightness. Enjoy your zesty lemon garlic shrimp hot! For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. To make your shrimp burst with flavor, marinate them well. Let them soak for at least 15-20 minutes. This step allows the shrimp to absorb the zesty lemon and garlic. If you like a kick, adjust the chili flakes. Add more for heat or skip them for a milder taste. Cooking shrimp perfectly requires care. Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in a single layer for even heat. This ensures that every shrimp gets a nice sear. Use high heat to lock in flavor and create a lovely crust. Make your dish pop by serving it on a bed of fluffy rice. You can also pair it with a crisp green salad. To add a fresh touch, garnish with lemon slices. They add color and enhance the zesty flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can make your dish even better by adding vegetables. Bell peppers give a nice crunch. Asparagus adds a fresh taste. Both pair well with shrimp. Zucchini is another great choice. It’s light and cooks quickly. You can chop these veggies and sauté them with the shrimp. This makes a colorful and tasty plate. Want to change things up? Try using different proteins. Scallops are a good swap for shrimp. They cook in about the same time. Chicken is another option that many enjoy. Just cut it into small pieces. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, use tofu. It soaks up flavors well and can be just as delicious. To make your dish pop even more, add fresh herbs. Thyme brings a nice aroma. Dill adds a unique taste that works well with lemon. You can also splash in some white wine. It gives a rich flavor that makes the dish stand out. These small changes can take your Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp to the next level. For the full recipe, check the section earlier. Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. The shrimp taste best within 1-2 days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. This method helps maintain their texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. Take your time, and they will taste great again! You can freeze uncooked marinated shrimp for later use. This is a great way to save time. When you are ready to cook, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator. This keeps them safe and tasty. For the best flavor, use thawed shrimp right away. Look for a pink color and opaque texture to determine doneness. When shrimp cook, they change from gray to a lovely pink. They also become less shiny and more firm. If you see these signs, your shrimp are ready to eat. Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so keep an eye on them. It's best to cook the shrimp right before serving for freshness. However, you can prepare the marinated shrimp earlier. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Marinating adds great flavor, so don’t skip this step. This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Rice absorbs the sauce nicely, while pasta adds heartiness. A salad brings a crunchy contrast to the shrimp. You can mix and match as you like! Yes, adding red chili flakes or fresh diced chili can enhance the heat level. If you enjoy spice, feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. Start with a little and add more if needed. This simple change can transform the whole dish! This blog post shared a simple method for making Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp. We covered the main ingredients, the steps to marinate and cook the shrimp, and tips for great flavor. Remember to let the shrimp sit in the marinade for tasty results. Feel free to get creative with veggies or different proteins for variety. With these tips, you can enjoy this dish fresh and flavorful. Whether you cook it for yourself or share it with others, dinner will be a hit. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!$

Indulge in the bright flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with this easy recipe! Learn how to perfectly marinate and cook shrimp in a delightful lemon-garlic marinade, adding a touch of spice if you like. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning dish that's perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest of 1 large lemon

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the red chili flakes (if using), sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended into a cohesive marinade.

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl, gently tossing them in the marinade to ensure that each piece is evenly coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan; this will help achieve a nice sear.

Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side, or until they turn a beautiful pink color and begin to char slightly. Flip the shrimp over and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, until they are fully cooked through and opaque.

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the cooked shrimp with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and an aromatic finish.

Serve the shrimp immediately on a platter or individual plates, garnished with fresh lemon slices for an additional pop of color and zestiness.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes

- Total Time: 30 minutes

- Servings: Serves 4

Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, consider serving the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a crisp green salad, allowing the vibrant colors of the meal to shine through.