Quick & Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Lemon garlic shrimp is a delicious and versatile meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or even on top of a fresh salad. The tangy lemon juice combined with the pungent garlic creates a flavor profile that is both bold and refreshing. This recipe is perfect for those looking to prepare a quick yet impressive dinner in under 30 minutes.

The ingredients list includes simple items found in most pantries, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight meals or even for impressing guests during casual gatherings. You will need:

• 1 pound of large shrimp
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: About 20 minutes of active cooking time. This includes peeling the shrimp, mincing the garlic, and sautéing everything together.

Servings: The recipe serves about 4 people as a main course or up to 6 servings if used as a side dish.

Instructions

1. Begin by prepping your shrimp. Peel the shrimp, leaving the tail intact for an attractive presentation when plated later. You can do this under running water and use kitchen scissors to cut off the shell. Remove the vein from inside of each shrimp if desired.
2. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, salt (about half teaspoon), and olive oil (2 tablespoons).
3. Heat your skillet or pan over medium heat. Add in one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp into the pan. Spread them out so they brown evenly on both sides. You should aim for about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
4. While the shrimp is cooking, pour the remaining lemon-garlic mixture over the shrimp. Toss or stir gently until all pieces are well coated and the sauce thickens slightly due to reduction from cooking.
5. If you have paprika on hand for garnish, sprinkle it over the cooked shrimp right before serving. Alternatively, you can add more lemon zest directly into your serving if preferred.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor and a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped parsley or fresh basil to top off the dish at the end.
• If you want to make this more substantial as a main course, serve it with cooked rice or pasta. A simple tossed salad would also complement well.
• To add heat without changing the overall flavor profile too much, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be included in the lemon-garlic mixture during preparation.

Health & Nutrition Information

Lemon garlic shrimp is not only quick and easy to prepare but also offers several health benefits due to its use of fresh ingredients like shrimp, which are high in protein and low in saturated fats when prepared without added butter or cream sauces. Additionally, the lemon provides vitamin C, while garlic contributes beneficial compounds known for their potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Remember that this dish can be adjusted based on personal dietary needs; substituting part of the shrimp with other lean proteins like chicken or tofu can suit various preferences and restrictions including vegetarian diets.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic shrimp is more than just a simple dinner. It's a testament to how easy it is to create something extraordinary from basic ingredients through careful preparation and minimal effort. Whether you're looking for an elegant yet straightforward meal or seeking ways to utilize fresh seafood in your kitchen, this recipe ticks all the right boxes. Try it out soon – you won’t regret adding this dish to your weekly repertoire.

Enjoy your cooking session and remember that with practice, making such dishes becomes second nature! Bon Appétit!