Savor the flavors of summer with this Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Delight! This quick and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a dish that bursts with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
1 pound large shrimp, deveined and peeled
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Zest of 1 large lemon
Juice of 2 medium-sized lemons
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Lemon wedges for serving
![For this dish, you need: - 1 pound large shrimp, deveined and peeled - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Zest of 1 large lemon - Juice of 2 medium-sized lemons These main ingredients give the dish its fresh and bright flavor. The shrimp should be large for a juicy bite. Fresh garlic adds depth, while lemon brings a zesty kick. Along with the main ingredients, you must add: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste These seasonings enhance the taste. The red pepper flakes add warmth, while salt and pepper balance the flavors. Adjust the spice level to your liking for the perfect kick. To make the dish even better, consider these garnishes: - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon wedges for serving Fresh parsley adds color and a burst of flavor. Lemon wedges let you squeeze more zest on top, making each bite even more delightful. Serve the shrimp hot with these garnishes to impress your guests. For the full recipe, check the details above. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic begins. You need 1 pound of large shrimp that is deveined and peeled. Add this to the bowl. Next, finely mince 4 cloves of garlic and toss them in too. Now, get the zest of 1 large lemon. You can use a grater to do this. Add the zest to the shrimp. Squeeze the juice from 2 medium-sized lemons into the bowl. This gives your dish a bright flavor. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can adjust this if you want more or less spice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything gently. You want the shrimp to be well coated. Let this sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. Now, it’s time to cook! Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Swirl the pan gently. You want the butter to melt and bubble. This creates a tasty base. Once the butter is ready, carefully add the marinated shrimp. Make sure they are in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they turn a bright pink color. After that, flip the shrimp over. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. They should be opaque and tender. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley. This adds a fresh taste and a nice green color. Serve the shrimp right away. They taste best warm. For a nice touch, plate the shrimp with lemon wedges on the side. This way, anyone can add more lemon flavor if they like. For a pretty presentation, serve the shrimp in a shallow dish. Arrange the lemon wedges around the edge. You might want to sprinkle extra parsley on top. Pair this dish with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic-lemon sauce. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Delight! To marinate shrimp well, start with fresh shrimp. Use a bowl and mix the shrimp with minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for taste. Mix lightly to coat the shrimp evenly. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This short time helps the flavors blend without overcooking the shrimp. When cooking shrimp, use a large skillet. Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until hot. This step adds richness and flavor. Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes undisturbed. This allows a nice sear. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough, so watch them closely. For a stunning presentation, use a shallow dish. Arrange the shrimp neatly and place lemon wedges around the edge. This adds color and makes it look fresh. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a bright touch. Pair the dish with crusty bread to soak up the lemon-garlic sauce. Your guests will love not just the taste but also the look of this dish. For the complete preparation details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can add more heat to your shrimp. Use more red pepper flakes for a kick. If you like it really spicy, try adding cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can transform your dish. Remember to taste as you go. You want the flavor to shine, not burn. Adding veggies makes this meal even better. You can use bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them with the shrimp for a colorful dish. Not only does it taste good, but it also looks great! Grilling gives your shrimp a smoky flavor. Simply marinate them as usual, then place them on a hot grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Baking is another easy method. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 400°F. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until they are pink. Both methods add unique flavors to your shrimp dish. You can find the full recipe in the article to try all these tasty ideas! After enjoying your zesty lemon garlic shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. Make sure the shrimp cool down to room temperature before sealing the container. You can safely refrigerate them for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, check for any off smells or changes in texture. If you want to save your shrimp for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the shrimp for up to three months. When you're ready to use them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This keeps the shrimp tender and flavorful. Reheating shrimp can be tricky, but I have some tips. First, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of butter to keep them moist. Heat them for just a few minutes until they are warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you want to add a pop of flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp while reheating. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to zesty lemon garlic shrimp. You can pair Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with many sides. Here are my favorites: - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce well. - Pasta: A light pasta tossed in olive oil is a great choice. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. - Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the garlic sauce. - Vegetables: Grilled or steamed veggies complement the dish nicely. Feel free to mix and match these sides to create a meal you love! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help them thaw evenly. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp sear better and prevents excess water in your dish. Marinating the shrimp takes about 15 minutes. This short time allows the shrimp to soak up the flavors from the garlic, lemon, and spices. Make sure to mix them gently in the bowl. This way, every piece gets coated well and tastes amazing. For best results, do not marinate for too long. Over-marinating can make the shrimp tough. If you want a stronger flavor, consider adding more zest or lemon juice instead. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, we explored how to make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp. We covered the main ingredients, essential seasonings, and garnishes. Next, we provided step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for great presentation. Variations like spicy options and veggie additions bring creativity to your dish. Finally, we discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your guests!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/addb0b1f-c88d-4770-9114-08c39eb8268b-250x250.webp)