Description
This Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful main course featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika, with a spicy kick from crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for a fast and healthy dinner, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, delivering a bright, fresh taste that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the bold flavors.
- Preheat the skillet: While the shrimp marinates, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for quick cooking.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, signaling they are fully cooked.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the cooked shrimp with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes such as rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a milder spice level, reduce crushed red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.