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To make this dish, you need these key items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - Juice and zest of 2 large, juicy lemons - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The shrimp is the star of this meal. Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best taste. The garlic adds a nice kick, while the lemon gives it a bright flavor. Butter and olive oil make the sauce rich and smooth. You can add some fun twists to this dish. Consider these options: - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup spinach or kale, chopped - 1 tablespoon capers for a salty punch - Fresh basil or thyme for an herb twist These add-ins can make your meal even more colorful and tasty. They also boost the nutrients in your dish. This zesty lemon garlic shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great choices: - Fluffy white or brown rice - A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette - Crusty bread to soak up the sauce - Quinoa for a healthy twist These sides balance the strong flavors of the shrimp. They add texture and make the meal more filling. For a nice touch, serve lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. You can find the full recipe to make it all come together. Start by grabbing a large skillet. Place it on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and add the unsalted butter. Watch closely as the butter melts and bubbles. This is when the magic begins! Make sure the butter combines with the oil well for great flavor. Once the butter is foamy, it’s time to add the garlic. Toss in the finely minced garlic and stir it in. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great and turn a light golden brown. Stir often to keep it from burning. After that, pour in the fresh lemon juice. Don’t forget the lemon zest! Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes too. Mix everything together and let it cook for one more minute. This step blends all the wonderful flavors. Now, it’s time for the shrimp! Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Lay them in a single layer for even cooking. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side. You will see them start to turn a nice pink color. When they do, flip each shrimp over. Sprinkle some salt and black pepper for taste. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until they are fully opaque. This means they are done! Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Finish by adding chopped parsley for a fresh touch. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. When picking shrimp, look for a few key signs. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Their shells should be shiny and firm. If they feel slimy, skip them. Try to buy shrimp that has been kept on ice. If possible, ask your fishmonger for shrimp caught that day. Garlic is the star of this dish. Use fresh garlic whenever you can. Crush and chop it right before cooking. This keeps the flavor strong. Sauté the garlic gently. Too much heat can burn it and make it bitter. You want it golden, not brown. Cooking the garlic slowly brings out its sweet side. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it spicy. If you want less heat, try using paprika instead. It adds color without the spice. Tailor the heat to your taste for the best experience. For more details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can boost your meal by adding veggies. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking. Add these veggies to the skillet after the garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding shrimp. This gives you color and extra vitamins. If shrimp isn’t your favorite, try chicken or tofu. Both soak up flavors well. For chicken, use thin slices or bite-sized pieces. Cook them until golden before adding garlic. For tofu, press to remove water and cut into cubes. Cook until crispy, then add garlic and other flavors. You can change the taste by switching up flavors. For an Asian twist, try soy sauce and ginger. Add sesame oil for a nutty touch. For Mediterranean flair, use olives, feta, and oregano. Each option brings unique tastes to the dish. Don't hesitate to experiment and find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out the details above. After you enjoy your zesty lemon garlic shrimp, let any leftovers cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping shrimp in a covered dish helps keep them fresh and tasty. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. Add a bit of olive oil or butter. This helps keep the shrimp moist. Stir gently to avoid overcooking. You can also use a microwave. Cover the shrimp with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. You can freeze zesty lemon garlic shrimp for later. Follow these steps: - Let the shrimp cool completely. - Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Remove as much air as possible. - Label the bag with the date. Frozen shrimp can last about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the skillet method for best flavor. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quick thawing. This method keeps the shrimp firm and tasty. If you want to skip butter, try using olive oil. It adds great flavor and keeps the dish light. You can also use coconut oil or a vegan butter if you prefer. Each option gives a unique taste and keeps the dish rich. Cooking shrimp takes about 4 to 6 minutes total. They cook fast! When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking makes them tough, so stay close to the skillet. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently to keep them juicy and fresh. For the best taste, make the lemon garlic sauce just before serving. For the full recipe, check out the complete section above. Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp is simple and full of flavor. We covered the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and pairings. The step-by-step guide shows how to sauté garlic and cook shrimp perfectly. I shared tips for choosing fresh shrimp and adjusting spice levels. You learned variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. In summary, this dish is versatile and fun to make. You can easily adjust it to fit your taste. Enjoy trying this recipe. It's a sure-hit for any meal.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Elevate your dinner with this zesty lemon garlic shrimp recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can create a deliciously vibrant dish that's perfect for any occasion. Discover how simple ingredients like garlic, lemon, and fresh shrimp come together for a burst of flavor. Just follow our easy steps for a meal that dazzles both the eyes and the palate. Click through and explore these mouthwatering recipes today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup unsalted butter

Juice and zest of 2 large, juicy lemons

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (feel free to adjust for your preferred spice level)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts completely and the mixture begins to foam.

    Once foamy, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden brown, making sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

      Next, pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest along with the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional minute to blend the vibrant flavors.

        Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they lay in a single layer for even cooking. Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn a lovely pink color.

          Gently flip the shrimp and season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully opaque and cooked through.

            Once done, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Serving Suggestions: Serve the zesty lemon garlic shrimp plated over a fluffy bed of white or brown rice, or pair it with a crisp green salad for a fresh and healthful meal. For an appealing presentation, add lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley around the plate for a burst of color.