Description
This Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp sautéed to perfection in a fragrant garlic and lemon butter sauce, enhanced with a touch of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s bursting with bright citrus flavors and perfect for a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer while scraping the bottom of the pan to release all flavorful browned bits.
- Add Lemon and Butter: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter until the butter completely melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Combine and Reheat: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them fully with the lemon garlic sauce.
- Final Cook: Cook the shrimp in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes until they are heated through and well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a bright, herby finish before serving immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serve this shrimp over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- To make it gluten-free, confirm the chicken broth is gluten-free or substitute with vegetable broth.
