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Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a dish where tender shrimp are cooked quickly in a skillet with garlic and lemon, creating a glossy sauce. The dish features a vibrant, citrusy flavor with a savory garlic aroma, resulting in a final appearance of succulent, lightly caramelized shrimp coated in a bright, flavorful sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined tails on optional
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp butter

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil until shimmering.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they start to turn pink and slightly opaque on the bottom.
  4. Flip the shrimp using tongs and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully pink and opaque all over. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.
  6. Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate flavor.
  7. Allow the sauce to simmer for about a minute to slightly reduce and thicken, filling the kitchen with a bright citrus aroma.
  8. Stir in the butter, letting it melt into the sauce until glossy, which will enrich the flavor and add a silky texture.
  9. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the lemon garlic sauce and heat through for about 1 minute.
  10. Once coated and heated, transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, pouring extra sauce over the top.
  11. Garnish with additional lemon zest or herbs if desired, then serve immediately for maximum flavor and aroma.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.