Description
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika, then sautéed to perfection. This vibrant recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and citrus brightness, ideal for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all shrimp evenly. Set aside and let marinate for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the skillet: While the shrimp marinate, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. This ensures you get a nice sear on the shrimp without overcooking.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until pink and beginning to curl, then flip and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes on the other side until opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp become rubbery when overdone.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the cooked shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges for an extra citrus kick. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Pairs well with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the olive oil with unsalted butter during marination.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Do not overcook shrimp to maintain a tender texture.
