Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Lemon garlic shrimp is a popular dish known for its vibrant flavors and easy preparation. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even the main course of your meal.

The base of this dish comes from the combination of fresh lemon juice and garlic, which creates a refreshing yet savory flavor profile that pairs perfectly with shrimp and vegetables. Garlic adds depth to any dish it is used in, while the zesty lemon complements the sweetness of the shrimp.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined), tails on or off
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Fresh herbs for garnish (such as basil or dill, optional)

Cooking Time

This recipe requires a total of about 15 minutes from start to finish. The shrimp cooking time is approximately 3-4 minutes.

Number of Servings

The lemon garlic shrimp recipe yields around 6 servings, making it perfect for casual dinners or potlucks with friends and family.

To prepare the dish, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you prefer baking over grilling. If using a grill, make sure the heat is medium-high.

Instructions

Start by preparing the marinade for the shrimp. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside this mixture to let flavors meld.
Place the prepared shrimp into a baking dish or grill basket. Pour over half of your marinade mixture so that each piece gets coated evenly.
If you are using the optional butter, melt it in a small saucepan and pour it over the other half of the reserved marinade. Stir until thoroughly mixed before drizzling over the shrimp again to ensure they get fully seasoned throughout.
For baking, transfer your prepared shrimp into the preheated oven. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through (check after 6 minutes to see if it needs more time). For grilling, place the shrimp directly on hot grill racks and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once done, remove from heat or oven. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or dill if desired.

Tips & Variations

If you want to add more flavor layers, consider incorporating additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini slices, or any other vegetables that complement the dish nicely. These can be sautéed separately and served alongside your grilled/shrimp.

For those who prefer a lighter version without butter, simply use extra virgin olive oil instead during the final step of mixing marinades. Additionally, you could also experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange juice if you wish to alter the taste slightly based on preference.

Nutritional Information

The exact nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient quantities used, but here’s an approximate overview: Calories per serving approximately 180 kcal; Protein around 25g; Fat about 9g; Carbohydrates roughly 5g. Please note these figures are estimates and actual amounts might differ slightly.

Conclusion

Lemon garlic shrimp is not only a delightful treat but also an excellent way to enjoy seafood while experimenting with flavors that bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for something quick yet satisfying, this dish offers both simplicity and elegance.

Enjoy your meal!