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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Lemon wedges, for serving When I make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, I focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The shrimp should be large and firm. Choose shrimp that are peeled and deveined for ease. The garlic must be fresh, as it gives a bold flavor. Using unwaxed lemons is key; the zest adds a bright note without bitterness. Fresh lemon juice enhances the dish's zestiness. For seasoning, I use red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. A sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper rounds out the flavors nicely. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Lastly, serve with lemon wedges to boost the dish's tang. For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! First, grab a spacious bowl. In it, combine the shrimp with: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Gently toss all the ingredients until the shrimp are coated. This marinade is key for great flavor. Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. This time helps the flavors mix well and soak into the shrimp. You’ll notice that the shrimp will start to absorb the zesty taste. Next, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet needs to be hot before you add the shrimp. Once ready, carefully place the marinated shrimp in the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. This is when they are at their best! After cooking, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color. You can serve the zesty shrimp right away. Pair it with lemon wedges for an extra zing. Squeezing fresh lemon juice on top adds a delightful touch! For the complete details, check the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp perfectly, watch for their color change. They will turn pink and opaque when done. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on them. Shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long. For a zesty kick, add more lemon juice. It brightens the dish and makes it tangy. You can also play with spices. Try adding paprika for smokiness or thyme for an herbal note. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. Serve your shrimp in a vibrant bowl. This adds a pop of color to your table. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. It makes the dish look inviting and fresh. A good presentation enhances the dining experience. {{image_4}} You can easily add vegetables to your zesty lemon garlic shrimp. Bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas work well. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in the marinade with the shrimp. Cook them together for a colorful and tasty dish. You can also use asparagus or broccoli for added crunch. They will soak up the flavor and make the meal more filling. If you want to switch things up, try chicken or scallops. For chicken, cut it into small pieces. Use the same marinade and cook until it’s no longer pink. For scallops, follow the same steps as the shrimp. They cook quickly and have a nice, sweet flavor. Both options bring a new twist to the dish while keeping it delicious. Do you like heat? You can make this recipe spicier! Use fresh chili peppers like jalapeños or serranos. Chop them finely and add them to the marinade. You can also add more red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Another option is to use hot sauce for a different flavor. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste for a thrilling meal experience. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. You can keep Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh and tasty. After cooking, let it cool to room temperature before sealing it. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy. If you want to store leftovers longer, freezing is a great option. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Never refreeze shrimp after it has been cooked. To reheat your shrimp, avoid using the microwave. This method can make shrimp rubbery. Instead, you can warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to keep it moist. Cook for just a few minutes until heated through. This way, your shrimp stays delicious and tender. You can tell shrimp are cooked by looking at their color. They turn pink and opaque when done. The texture will also change; they become firmer. Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If you see them curling tightly, that’s a sign they are ready. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch them closely. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty as fresh when cooked right. Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp pairs great with many sides. Here are some popular choices: - Steamed rice or quinoa - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - Fresh salad with greens and vinaigrette - Roasted vegetables for added flavor - Pasta with olive oil and herbs These sides will make your meal tasty and complete. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Delight. Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a fresh and flavorful dish made with simple ingredients. You learned how to prepare and cook shrimp to keep it tender and juicy. There are tips for enhancing flavor, adding veggies, and even using different proteins. Always store leftovers safely to enjoy later. With these techniques, you can serve a tasty meal that impresses everyone. Now, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy your delicious shrimp!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Delight! This simple recipe combines succulent shrimp with a kick of garlic and lemon for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining guests, it's easy to prepare and delicious. Click through to discover how to make this delightful meal and impress your loved ones with your cooking skills! Dive into the recipe and get cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a spacious bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the shrimp are thoroughly coated in the flavorful marinade.

    Allow the shrimp to marinate at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and infuse into the shrimp.

      While the shrimp is marinating, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot.

        Carefully place the marinated shrimp, along with all the marinade, into the hot skillet. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. You'll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque, signaling they have cooked through.

          Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley evenly over the shrimp for a burst of color and freshness.

            Serve the zesty shrimp right away, accompanied by lemon wedges on the side. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before eating intensifies the zesty flavor!

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp in a vibrant bowl, garnished with additional parsley and a few lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.