Simple and Flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Lemon garlic shrimp is a popular dish that combines fresh lemon zest, aromatic garlic, and succulent shrimp to create a tangy yet savory sauce. This versatile recipe works well as an appetizer or main course for a quick weeknight dinner or impressive party platter.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: About 30 minutes including preparation and serving time. Servings: 4-6 people.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparation:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and salt to taste. Mix well ensuring that all the shrimp are evenly coated.
2. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes allowing flavors to meld together.

Cooking:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the olive oil used earlier into the pan.
2. Pour the shrimp mixture from the bowl into the hot skillet, stirring occasionally until they turn pink and opaque – about 4-5 minutes.
3. If desired, add more olive oil to the skillet if you prefer a little less sauce on your plate. Stir in lemon juice towards the end of cooking time to enhance flavor.
4. Remove from heat once done; garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for Better Results:

• Ensure your shrimp are fully cooked as overcooking them can make them tough. Use a meat thermometer if available to check internal temperature – it should read between 145°F and 150°F (63°C to 66°C).
• If you want to add more depth of flavor, consider marinating the shrimp overnight instead of just 15 minutes as suggested. This allows all flavors to penetrate deeper into each piece.
• For those who prefer a little kick in their meal, add some freshly ground pepper or red pepper flakes along with garlic and lemon zest when combining ingredients for the marinade.

Variations:

• You could also try adding some capers to this dish, they pair beautifully with lemon and shrimp. Add them during cooking time towards the end of heating process.
• If you prefer a bit more creaminess, consider whipping up a quick beurre blanc sauce – simply mix together melted butter and tarragon after removing the cooked shrimp from heat. Serve over rice or pasta for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish pairs wonderfully with various side dishes such as steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, quinoa salad, and garlic bread. The tanginess of the lemon complements any type of rice pilaf especially jasmine rice which absorbs flavors very well.

Health Benefits:

This dish is packed with essential nutrients; shrimp is a great source of lean protein which contributes towards muscle repair post workout or just daily bodily functions. The fresh herbs used in this recipe add additional vitamins like vitamin A, C, K among others.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I know when my shrimp are fully cooked? Shrimp should be pink and opaque throughout – any signs of redness indicate undercooking while darkening to grey means overcooked. Checking internal temperature using a meat thermometer (145°F or 63°C) gives more accurate results.
2. Can I use different types of seafood instead? Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically for shrimp, you can substitute with scallops, tilapia fillets, bay scallops among others. Just ensure they are all about the same size so that they cook evenly together.
3. Is it possible to make ahead? Yes! Marinate the seafood in advance if you're planning a large gathering and have plenty of time on your hands. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container inside refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage depending upon how quickly you plan to consume them.

Conclusion:

The Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is simple yet packed full of flavor, making it perfect whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining friends. Its versatility ensures that no matter what occasion you have planned, this dish will be a hit! Try experimenting with different variations and side dishes to suit your preferences.