Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? Look no further than our simple yet delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe! This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something fresh and satisfying. The key to this dish lies in the balance of zesty lemon and savory garlic - two ingredients that pair beautifully with succulent shrimp.

For those who enjoy cooking, this recipe is particularly easy and straightforward, making it accessible to beginners or experienced cooks alike. If you're hosting a dinner party or gathering friends for an intimate evening, Lemon Garlic Shrimp can be served as the main course or even alongside a side salad for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

To prepare this dish, gather the following ingredients:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time and Servings

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish is ready in about 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. It serves four people comfortably.

Steps to Follow

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
Add the shrimp to the pan, tossing gently so they cook evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning.
Pour in the lemon zest and juice, stirring everything together well. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked through. Be sure not to overcook as this can cause them to become tough.
If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve immediately alongside steamed vegetables or rice if you wish to make it more substantial.

Health Benefits of Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious! Shrimp are a good source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues in the body. They also contain important nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. Meanwhile, lemons provide a generous amount of vitamin C, essential for immune function, skin health, and overall well-being.

The dish is low in calories and can be prepared with minimal added salt or butter to keep it healthy while still being rich in flavor.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding other ingredients. For instance:

Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick if you like spicy food.

- If you have some capers or artichokes on hand, they add another layer of flavor and texture when sautéed with the garlic and shrimp.

Storage Tips

This dish doesn't require any special storage methods. If there's leftover, it will keep well in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.

Conclusion

The Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that is easy enough to be prepared with minimal effort yet impressive enough to impress guests at dinner parties or family gatherings. Whether you're looking for a quick meal solution after work or want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this dish should definitely be part of your cooking repertoire.

Give it a try; you won't regret the time spent in the kitchen creating such a delicious meal!