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To make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges, for an extra zesty serve These ingredients create a bright and bold flavor, making the dish exciting. Using high-quality shrimp is very important. Fresh shrimp tastes better and has a firmer texture. Look for shrimp that is: - Firm to the touch - Slightly translucent - Ocean-fresh smell If you buy frozen shrimp, make sure it is flash-frozen right after catching. This helps keep the taste and texture intact. You can add some optional ingredients to boost flavor. Consider trying: - Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro - A splash of white wine for depth - Cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness These extra touches can make your dish even more delightful. You can find the full recipe to explore all these flavors! Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it blends well. The aroma will make your mouth water. This marinade packs a punch with zesty flavors. Now it’s time to add the shrimp. Use 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Gently toss the shrimp in the marinade, making sure each piece gets coated. This step is key for flavor. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. If you want to, cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. The shrimp will soak up all those tasty flavors. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade. Spread the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see them turn a lovely pink color. When ready, flip the shrimp and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. They should be opaque and fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can dry out quickly. Once done, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. Serve the zesty lemon garlic shrimp right away, with lemon wedges on the side. This dish is not just tasty; it looks great too! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy your meal! When picking shrimp, freshness matters. Look for shrimp that smells like the sea, not fishy. The shells should be shiny and firm. If the shrimp are wet, they may have been sitting too long. Choose shrimp that are bright pink for the best flavor. If you can, buy shrimp that are wild-caught. They often taste better than farmed shrimp. To cook shrimp just right, keep an eye on the time. Shrimp cook fast. Overcooked shrimp become tough. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink, flip them over. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are opaque. Using medium-high heat helps them cook evenly. If you have a hot skillet, the shrimp will sear nicely. To add more flavor, consider using fresh herbs. Basil and cilantro pair well with shrimp. You can also try adding a splash of white wine to the marinade. This adds depth to the taste. For a kick, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some capers or olives for a briny touch. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. For the best results, follow the Full Recipe for detailed steps. {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp with other proteins. Chicken breast is a great choice. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the chicken just like the shrimp. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown. You can also use scallops. They cook quickly and add a sweet flavor. Just be careful not to overcook them. For a tasty vegetarian twist, use firm tofu or zucchini. If using tofu, press it to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and marinate as you would with shrimp. For zucchini, slice it into rounds or half-moons. You can also try mushrooms. Portobello or shiitake mushrooms work well. They soak up the flavors nicely. You can add more flavors to this dish easily. Try adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. They add color and sweetness. Toss them in the pan with the shrimp. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also boost flavor. Lastly, for a kick, add a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice. These tweaks turn a good dish into a great one! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your zesty lemon garlic shrimp fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the shrimp to room temperature before sealing. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, proper storage is key. Reheating your shrimp is easy. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If you choose the microwave, heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. If using a skillet, add a splash of olive oil. Heat over medium heat until warmed through. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. If you want to freeze your shrimp, do it right after cooking. Let the shrimp cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best taste, try to use frozen shrimp within a month. For the full recipe, check out the previous sections! You can marinate shrimp for 15 to 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up the lemon and garlic flavors. If you marinate too long, the shrimp may become tough. Keep an eye on the clock to get the best taste! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the marinade stick better. I love pairing Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with a few simple sides. Here are my favorite options: - Cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty base. - A fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. - Garlic bread to soak up the tasty juices. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a healthy touch. These sides make the meal complete and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the section above! This guide covered the key steps for making Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp. We explored essential ingredients, marinating, and cooking. Plus, we shared tips on choosing shrimp and enhancing flavors. You learned about variations and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. My final thought: this dish is simple, tasty, and fun to make. Enjoying it with family or friends makes it even better. Now, you’re ready to impress with your cooking skills!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Elevate your dinner menu with this delightful recipe for zesty lemon garlic shrimp! Perfectly marinated in a tangy mix of lemon juice, garlic, and spices, these shrimp cook up in just minutes for a quick and flavorful meal. Ideal for seafood lovers, this dish will impress family and friends alike. Ready to dive into this zesty adventure?
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for desired spice level)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for an extra zesty serve

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, extra-virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the marinade is well blended and fragrant.

    Once your marinade is ready, gently add in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Toss the shrimp carefully to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the zesty mixture. For optimum flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (you can also cover and refrigerate it during this time).

      Preheat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until it becomes hot. After reaching the right temperature, add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade to the skillet, spreading the shrimp out in a single layer.

        Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side. You'll know they're ready to flip when they turn a vibrant pink color. Carefully turn the shrimp over and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, until they are fully opaque and cooked through (be mindful, as shrimp can cook quickly).

          Once cooked, immediately remove the skillet from heat and generously sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the zesty shrimp, allowing its vibrant green color to add a lovely contrast.

            Serve the zesty lemon garlic shrimp promptly, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy brightness that enhances the flavors beautifully. Enjoy!

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4