Perfectly Balanced Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Keyword: balanced lemon garlic shrimp

This recipe for a perfectly balanced Lemon Garlic Shrimp is the perfect dinner to serve your family or friends. The dish is simple yet flavorful, and with just 30 minutes of cooking time you will have a delicious meal ready in no time at all.

The aroma of freshly cooked seafood can be quite inviting as it fills the kitchen, making everyone salivate for a taste. Lemon Garlic Shrimp has that special something that makes every bite an experience. It is versatile and can be paired with numerous side dishes like rice or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

• Ingredients:
1. 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. 4 garlic cloves, minced
3. 2 lemons, zest and juice
4. 3 tbsp olive oil
5. Salt and pepper to taste
6. 2 tbsp unsalted butter
7. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
8. Optional: 2 cups cooked rice or a mixed green salad

To start, clean your shrimp by removing the heads and tails. Peel away the shell but leave the tail intact for an attractive presentation later on.

1. Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic with lemon zest and juice from one of the lemons. Add the olive oil and mix well to form a paste.
2. Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the marinade. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Once melted, add in the remaining lemon zest and juice from the second lemon.
4. Once the lemon juice is hot but not boiling, gently place the marinated shrimp into the pan. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together or burning on one side only.
5. After 2-3 minutes of cooking time (depending upon your preferred level of doneness), flip each piece carefully so that both sides get an equal amount of cooking time.
6. Continue cooking until the shrimp turn opaque and fully cooked, about another minute. Remove from heat once they are done to prevent overcooking which can result in tough texture.
7. Sprinkle chopped parsley over top for extra flavor and garnish before serving hot alongside your choice of side dishes like rice or a fresh salad if desired.

Enjoy this balanced lemon garlic shrimp as it is rich yet not too heavy on the palate. The flavors from both the lemon juice and zest complement each other perfectly with just enough heat from garlic to brighten up the entire dish without overwhelming the delicate taste of the seafood itself. This recipe also works well for vegetarians who can simply skip adding the shrimp.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes including preparation and resting time

Servings: Makes about 4 servings

This dish not only satisfies your craving but also provides a healthy balance of protein, vitamin C, and essential fatty acids. Serve it hot for best results; however, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Feel free to adjust this basic recipe according to personal preference or dietary needs. For instance, adding more vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli could add extra nutrients and fiber making it even healthier and filling. Alternatively, substituting some of the shrimp with tofu would convert this into a vegetarian-friendly version without changing its delightful taste profile too much.