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Garlic Shrimp

Garlic shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a fragrant garlic sauce. The dish highlights the balance of sharp garlic and succulent seafood, finished with bright lemon and fresh herbs for a glossy, aromatic presentation. Perfect served over rice, noodles, or crusty bread, it offers satisfying textures and bold flavors in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined preferably pink and firm
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced finely minced for maximum aroma
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil use a fruity, good-quality oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter adds richness and gloss
  • a pinch red pepper flakes adjust to taste for heat
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for freshness and color

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and is just starting to ripple.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil, and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant and golden around the edges. The kitchen should fill with a warm, nutty aroma.
  3. Gently place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer, pressing them slightly into the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until they start turning pink and opaque on the bottom.
  4. Flip the shrimp over using a spatula and cook for another 2 minutes, until they are fully pink and just cooked through, feeling firm but tender to the touch.
  5. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and add the butter. Stir quickly to coat the shrimp and create a glossy, flavorful sauce that bubbles gently and thickens slightly within a minute.
  6. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning if needed—more lemon for brightness or more spice for heat.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish, and stir gently to combine.
  8. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or crusty bread, spooning the garlicky sauce generously over each portion for maximum flavor and presentation.