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I’ve whipped up this Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe countless times, and it delivers a perfect burst of flavor every single time! It’s the ideal quick and easy dish for any day of the week, boasting the taste of lemon and the aromatic warmth of garlic that turns simple shrimp into a mouth-watering high-protein meal.

Overhead photo of fully cooked lemon garlic shrimp in a skillet.

Table of Contents

Quick and Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

This recipe showcases how a few simple ingredients can transform into an elegant dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner, this lemon garlic shrimp ticks all the boxes.

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Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp

  • Shrimp: Fresh, or fully thawed if frozen, peeled, and deveined for convenience and texture.
  • Garlic: Minced for a bold, aromatic impact that infuses the shrimp with rich flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Provides a healthy cooking base, enhancing the dish’s overall richness.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best flavor, adding a necessary tang that complements the shrimp.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the shrimp.
Ingredients needed to make lemon garlic shrimp.

Garlic Shrimp Variations

  • Herbs: Adding parsley or chives can introduce a fresh, herbaceous note.
  • Heat: A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a welcome kick to the dish, balancing the lemon’s tartness.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp

STEP 1 – Prepare Ingredients: Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Minced garlic and olive oil in a skillet.

STEP 2 – Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side, which indicates they are perfectly cooked.

Fresh shrimp added to the skillet with olive oil and garlic and ready to saute.

STEP 3 – Finish with Lemon: Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle them with lemon juice. This not only adds flavor but also gives the dish a refreshing aroma.

Freshly cooked shrimp with lemon and fresh parsley in a skillet. Ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Shrimp

  • Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery.
  • Freshness Matters: Use fresh garlic and lemon juice to maximize the flavors in this dish.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of light pasta or alongside a crisp salad to turn it into a full meal.
Plate of lemon garlic shrimp topped with fresh parsley, ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Shrimp

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe?

It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe as pre-cooked shrimp can become tough and overcooked when heated again.

How can I store leftover lemon garlic shrimp?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

What are the best sides to serve with lemon garlic shrimp?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, light pasta, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Close up of a plate of lemon garlic shrimp, ready to serve.

Incorporating these simple steps and tips, you can create an outstanding Lemon Garlic Shrimp dish that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to eat. Enjoy the harmonious blend of lemon and garlic that makes this dish a guaranteed favorite at any table!

More High Protein Recipes:

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Overhead shot of easy lemon garlic shrimp in a skillet.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This easy lemon garlic shrimp recipe is made quick and easy with just 5 ingredients. If you're looking for a high-protein packed meal with little work, this is perfect!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Start by heating the 1 Tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced 2 cloves garlic until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the 1.5 pounds large shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side, which indicates they are perfectly cooked.
  • Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle them with 2 teaspoons lemon juice. This not only adds flavor but also gives the dish a refreshing aroma.

Notes

Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery.
Freshness Matters: Use fresh garlic and lemon juice to maximize the flavors in this dish.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of light pasta or alongside a crisp salad to turn it into a full meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 214mg, Sodium: 963mg, Potassium: 201mg, Fiber: 0.04g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 306IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 95mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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JENNIFER GAMBLE

Hello! I’m Jennifer, but you can call me Jen. I’m a wife and mom, cook, recipe developer, nutrition coach, and food photographer.

With a formal certification in nutrition and over a decade of hands-on experience in the online food industry, I bring a well-rounded perspective to all of the recipes here on Simply Macros.

As the creator and author, I ensure that every recipe not only looks visually appealing but is also grounded in sound nutritional principles.

I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I enjoyed creating them.

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1 Comment

  1. JENNIFER GAMBLE says:

    5 stars
    I love this easy lemon garlic shrimp. A quick and easy way to get a lot of delicious protein!

    Reply