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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1/4 cup olive oil The main ingredients are simple. The star of the dish is large shrimp. You want them peeled and deveined for a clean taste. Fresh garlic brings a strong flavor that pairs well with lemon. Zest and juice from two lemons add a bright, zesty note. Olive oil keeps everything moist and adds richness. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges for serving Seasonings make the dish pop. Red pepper flakes add heat, so adjust to your liking. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley gives a nice green touch and freshness. Lemon wedges serve as a bright garnish and add extra zing when served. For the full recipe, you can look above. This dish is not only tasty but also quick to make, perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The garlic adds a strong flavor, while the lemon gives a bright taste. Next, drizzle in the olive oil. This helps to keep the shrimp moist. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on how spicy you like it. Toss everything well so the shrimp get fully coated in the mix. After mixing, let the shrimp sit in the marinade. This is key for flavor. I suggest letting it marinate for at least 15 minutes. You can even let it sit longer if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the better the taste will be. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure it gets nice and hot. Once ready, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy. Once cooked, take them off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch. You can serve this dish right away with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get tender shrimp, avoid overcooking them. Shrimp cooks fast, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are ready. If you cook them too long, they become tough and rubbery. To check, cut one shrimp in half; it should be opaque all the way through. You can boost the flavor with more herbs or spices. Try adding fresh basil or thyme for a twist. A pinch of cumin can add warmth. For a kick, use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also give a nice touch. Serve your shrimp on a large platter. Garnish it with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a bright look. This adds color and freshness. You can also pair it with crusty bread or rice for a complete meal. The visual appeal makes it more inviting to eat. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. {{image_2}} You can make your shrimp spicier by adding hot sauce. Start with a few drops of your favorite sauce. Taste and adjust until it meets your spice level. You might try sriracha or cayenne for a kick. This change adds a nice heat without losing the lemon and garlic flavor. If you want variety, use scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. For scallops, cook them for 2-3 minutes per side, just like shrimp. They will get a nice golden crust. For chicken, cut it into small pieces and cook until it’s no longer pink. Both options keep the bright lemon and garlic taste. Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Try serving it over pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Pasta soaks up the lemon juice and adds heartiness. Rice makes it a filling meal. A salad offers a light, crisp contrast to the shrimp. Don’t forget to check the Full Recipe for more serving ideas! To store leftovers, let the shrimp cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This keeps the shrimp fresh and flavorful. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm shrimp gently on the stove. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make shrimp rubbery. For freezing, first, cool the shrimp completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze shrimp for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat. This keeps them tender and juicy. In the fridge, cooked shrimp lasts about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before using. Fresh shrimp should look moist and firm. This way, you ensure the best taste and quality for your meals. For the complete recipe, visit the Full Recipe section. If you want a different protein, you have options. You can use scallops, chicken, or tofu. Each choice brings its own taste and texture. Scallops cook quickly, just like shrimp. Chicken takes longer, so cut it into small pieces. Tofu works well for a plant-based meal. Make sure to adjust cooking times for each protein. Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Marinating the shrimp in advance enhances the flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes, but you can do it up to 2 hours. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This saves time for busy days or special meals. To make this dish gluten-free, check all your ingredients. Olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs are safe. The shrimp is also gluten-free. Avoid using any sauces that may contain gluten. Always read labels for hidden gluten sources. This way, you can enjoy your meal worry-free. This blog post covered how to make zesty lemon garlic shrimp. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for great flavor. You learned about variations with other proteins and ways to store leftovers. You can enjoy this dish with many sides, making it a versatile choice. Remember, perfect shrimp need careful cooking. Experiment with flavors and options to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Delight your taste buds with this zesty lemon garlic shrimp recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in fresh lemon juice and garlic, perfectly spiced with red pepper flakes. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your seafood game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 2 lemons

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

    Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all the shrimp are evenly coated.

      Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

        Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer.

          Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to ensure they remain tender.

            Once cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp. Toss lightly to combine.

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

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp on a large platter, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh look. Pair it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.