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To make Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp, you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Lemon wedges for serving For the best flavor, I suggest using high-quality brands. Here are my favorites: - Shrimp: Look for wild-caught shrimp for better taste and texture. - Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor. Brands like California Olive Ranch work well. - Garlic: Fresh garlic is best. If you need convenience, consider using garlic paste from brands like Gourmet Garden. - Lemon: Organic lemons can add extra zest and freshness. You can make this dish your own with a few swaps. Here are some ideas: - Shrimp: If you can't find shrimp, try scallops or firm white fish like cod. - Olive Oil: You can substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor. - Red Pepper Flakes: For less heat, use smoked paprika instead. - Parsley: Basil or cilantro can also add a fresh touch. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more details! Start by gathering your ingredients. You need fresh shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and parsley. In a large mixing bowl, add the shrimp, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the shrimp is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This step lets the shrimp soak up all the zesty flavors. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp along with all the marinade into the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and look opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. They will become tough if cooked too long. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the shrimp. Gently toss to combine everything. Serve your zesty lemon garlic shrimp right away. Arrange the shrimp on a colorful platter. Add some extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side. The lemon wedges give an extra burst of flavor. This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. For the full recipe, check the complete details above. Enjoy your tasty meal! To get the best shrimp, focus on timing. Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you cook them too long, they become tough. Keep an eye on the color change. When they are ready, remove them from heat right away. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Fresh basil or cilantro can add a unique twist. You can also mix in some lemon zest for extra zing. If you like heat, increase red pepper flakes. A splash of white wine can deepen the taste too. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite flavor blend. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Always check them closely. Another error is not marinating long enough. Let the shrimp sit for at least 15 minutes in the marinade. This helps them soak up all the good flavors. Lastly, don’t skip the parsley garnish. It adds color and freshness to the dish. For the complete cooking details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} If you want a kick, try adding more heat. Use extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in fresh chopped jalapeños. This adds a nice crunch and spice. Adjust the heat to your taste. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This variation is a crowd-pleaser. Cook your favorite pasta while you make the shrimp. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Add a splash of pasta water for creaminess. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It’s a filling meal that feels special. Make tacos for a fun twist. Use small tortillas and fill them with shrimp. Add shredded cabbage for crunch and fresh avocado for creaminess. Squeeze extra lemon juice on top. These tacos are fresh, bright, and perfect for a quick meal. You can even serve them with a side of salsa for extra flavor. For the base recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Each variation keeps the bright lemon and garlic flavors, making them tasty and fun! I love to save leftovers from Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp. They taste great later. To store, put the shrimp in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Place the container in the fridge. The shrimp will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. If you have more than that, consider freezing. When you want to eat your leftovers, heat them gently. You can use a skillet or microwave. For the skillet, add a little oil and warm it over low heat. Stir until the shrimp is hot. If you use a microwave, cover the shrimp with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. This keeps them moist and tasty. Freezing is a great option if you want to save shrimp for longer. Start by letting the shrimp cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the methods above for the best results. To add spice, you can use red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon. You can add more if you like it hotter. You can also try fresh or dried chili peppers. Just chop them finely and add them to the mix. This will give the dish a nice kick. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This way, they will cook evenly. Some great side dishes include: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Garlic bread - A fresh salad - Roasted vegetables These sides will complement the shrimp well. They will soak up the zesty flavors. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. Keep them in an airtight container. To enjoy them later, reheat gently on the stove. This keeps the shrimp tender and tasty. You can prepare the marinade a day ahead. Just marinate the shrimp when you're ready to cook. This will save time and let the flavors mix well. You can serve the shrimp with lemon wedges. This adds a fresh burst of flavor. Pair it with a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. It complements the zesty notes nicely. Yes, this dish is healthy. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. The olive oil provides healthy fats. The fresh herbs and lemon add vitamins and flavor. Absolutely! You can use scallops or fish instead of shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time based on the seafood you choose. Each option will bring its own unique taste to the dish. Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. It should curl into a "C" shape. If it curls into an "O," it's overcooked. Keep an eye on them to ensure a perfect texture. In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients and brands for zesty lemon garlic shrimp. You learned how to prep, cook, and serve it perfectly. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. We explored tasty variations and discussed storage methods. Enjoying this dish can be fun and simple. Cooking shrimp well takes practice, but it's worth it. Try my recommendations, and you'll impress everyone at your table. Shift your cooking skills and enjoy every bite!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Delight your taste buds with this zesty lemon garlic shrimp recipe that's quick and simple! With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe features shrimp marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of spice. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your culinary skills with this tasty seafood dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss until shrimp are well coated in the marinade.

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

      Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade.

        Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.

          Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the fresh parsley over the shrimp. Toss gently to combine.

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

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant and colorful presentation.