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- Shrimp: For this dish, choose large shrimp. They cook evenly and taste great. You want shrimp that are fresh and firm. Look for shrimp that are pink and shiny. Avoid any that smell strong or have black spots. - Olive oil: This oil adds a rich flavor to the shrimp. It also helps cook the garlic without burning it. Olive oil is good for your heart. It has healthy fats that are great for your body. - Fresh garlic and lemon: Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Minced garlic gives a strong, tasty punch. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and a zesty flavor. The lemon zest brings out the shrimp's natural sweetness. - Red pepper flakes: These add a nice kick to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. A little goes a long way in adding flavor. - Salt and pepper: Use these to season the shrimp to your taste. A pinch of salt can enhance all the flavors. Freshly cracked black pepper adds depth. - Fresh parsley and lemon wedges: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Use lemon wedges for serving. They allow you to add more zest when you eat. For the full recipe, check out the complete steps to make this dish shine! To start, clean and devein the shrimp. Rinse them well under cold water. This step is key for taste and safety. Next, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. This simple step adds flavor before cooking. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. This mix adds a strong base flavor. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on one side. They should start turning pink. Flip the shrimp over and add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should now be fully cooked and opaque. Stir occasionally to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This bright herb balances the dish. For serving, arrange the shrimp on a plate. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. Enjoy your meal! When choosing shrimp, think about fresh or frozen options. Fresh shrimp often has a sweet taste. However, frozen shrimp can be just as good if it's high quality. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell clean. If you have frozen shrimp, you can defrost it quickly. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps you keep the shrimp cold and safe. To boost the flavor, consider adding white wine. A splash of wine gives the dish a rich taste. You can also experiment with other spices. For example, try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or fresh herbs like thyme. Each spice adds a unique twist to the zesty garlic shrimp. For even cooking, use a heavy skillet. A cast-iron or non-stick skillet works best. Heat the skillet well before adding the shrimp. This gives you that nice sear and keeps the shrimp juicy. Timing is key for perfectly cooked shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish even better with vegetables. Try adding bell peppers or snap peas. They add a nice crunch and color. Just sauté them with the garlic. You can also swap in zucchini for a low-carb option. Slice it thin and cook it until it's tender. Both options boost flavor and nutrition. If you want to switch up the protein, try making zesty garlic chicken instead. Simply replace shrimp with diced chicken. Cook it until it turns golden. You can also use a seafood mix with scallops or squid. These options give a new twist to the dish. They still keep that bright lemon garlic flavor. For those who need gluten-free meals, this dish is great as is. Just be sure to check any added ingredients. You can also make it lighter. Use less olive oil or shrimp for a low-calorie meal. Another option is to serve it over a salad or veggies instead of rice or pasta. This way, you enjoy all the flavors without the extra calories. To store leftover shrimp, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Shrimp stays good for up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, do it gently to avoid drying out the shrimp. Freezing cooked shrimp has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it extends the shrimp's life. However, shrimp can lose some texture when thawed. To freeze, place shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. To reheat, thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge. Then, heat them in a pan over low heat. This method helps keep the flavor intact. In the fridge, cooked shrimp lasts for about three days. If you follow proper storage, it stays fresh longer. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell or a slimy texture. If you notice these signs, it’s best to discard the shrimp. Make sure to enjoy your zesty lemon garlic shrimp while it’s fresh! For a detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. You can pair Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with several tasty side dishes. A light salad with mixed greens adds freshness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette works well to soak up the sauce. For a heartier option, serve it over fluffy rice or creamy pasta. To round out the meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add great flavor. For a twist, try quinoa or couscous with herbs. This way, you create a colorful and balanced plate that everyone will love. Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and let them cool before storing. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This keeps the shrimp juicy and tasty. Meal prep ideas include using the shrimp in wraps or salads. You can also add them to grain bowls for easy lunches. Just remember to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. This recipe is great for meal prep. Making Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp in bulk saves time during the week. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner without the hassle of cooking every day. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage. These containers keep the shrimp fresh and make reheating easy. Just make sure to label them with the date to track freshness. In this article, we've explored the process of making zesty lemon garlic shrimp. You learned about key ingredients like fresh shrimp, garlic, and olive oil. You also found tips for cooking and storing shrimp effectively. Cooking shrimp can be easy and fun. Try adding your favorite vegetables or proteins for variety. This dish is perfect for quick meals or meal prep. With these tips, you can enjoy tasty, zesty shrimp at home anytime.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp with this easy recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Bursting with fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and succulent shrimp, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet; sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink.

        Flip the shrimp and add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque, stirring occasionally to coat the shrimp evenly in the sauce.

          Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh flavor.

            Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for added zest.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4