Bright, garlicky, and ready in minutes, this Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a weeknight favorite that feels special without the fuss. Juicy shrimp get a quick sear, a splash of lemon, and a sprinkle of parsley for bright flavor. For a crisp green side, try grilled asparagus with lemon and garlic alongside it.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Fast dinner: on the table in under 15 minutes.
- Bright, fresh flavors from lemon and parsley.
- Minimal ingredients you probably already have.
- Great for meal prep and reheats well for lunches.
- Kid-friendly and easy to customize.
Ingredients Needed
- Protein
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Spices
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings
- Chopped parsley for garnish
For a heartier plate, serve with Authentic Greek Lemon Garlic Roasted Potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions 5 (always use H2 and H3)
1. Heat the oil
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the garlic
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add and season shrimp
Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the shrimp
Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Finish with lemon
Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Toss with pasta and a little reserved pasta water for a light lemon garlic pasta.
- Spoon over mixed greens for a quick warm shrimp salad.
- Serve over steamed rice or quinoa with a wedge of lemon.
- For surf-and-turf, pair with grilled steak and shrimp skewers with garlic butter.
- Offer crusty bread to soak up the garlicky pan juices.
Tips for Success Simple Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- Use room-temperature shrimp so they cook evenly and quickly.
- Keep heat at medium to avoid burning garlic; it should be fragrant, not brown.
- Don’t overcook: shrimp go from tender to rubbery fast, so watch for opaque pink color.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to get a better sear.
- If you want a sweeter glaze, try inspiration from High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp and adjust to taste.
Variations
- Spicy: add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Swap proteins: use scallops or bite-sized chicken pieces for a different texture.
- Add veggies: toss in sliced bell pepper or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Dairy-free: this recipe is naturally dairy-free; serve with avocado for creaminess.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Use room-temperature shrimp for even cooking.
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant, but do not burn.
- 1 lemon juiced Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor.
Spices
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Chopped parsley for garnish Adds freshness and color.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley.
