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Spicy Lemon Shrimp

This dish features shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic and chili peppers, then finished with fresh lemon zest and juice. It has a vibrant, tangy flavor with a hint of heat, and the shrimp develop a tender, slightly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside, served in a glossy sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined preferably large, about 16-20 count
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red chili pepper, sliced remove seeds for less heat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon lemon, zested and juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet or large frying pan
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and fragrant.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sliced chili pepper to the pan, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden—about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook without moving for about 2 minutes, until the edges start to turn pink.
  4. Flip the shrimp using tongs or a spatula. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are opaque and just cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat, then zest the lemon directly over the shrimp for a burst of citrus aroma.
  6. Squeeze the juice of the lemon onto the shrimp, then season with salt and pepper to taste, tossing gently to combine all flavors.
  7. Cook for another minute just to meld the flavors and warm everything through, watching for a glossy, slightly saucy consistency.
  8. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate, garnishing with extra lemon zest or chopped herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.