Description
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a quick, flavorful seafood dinner that bursts with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a fiery chili kick. Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is light, bold, and perfect for weeknight meals — delicious over rice, pasta, or wrapped in tortillas for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley
Optional Additions:
- 1 tsp honey for a sweet balance
- 1/4 tsp chili powder for smokier flavor
- A pinch of garlic salt for extra umami
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
- Sauté Garlic & Spices: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
- Add Lemon & Herbs: Turn off heat, add lemon juice, zest, and chopped cilantro or parsley. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with vegetables. Garnish with extra herbs and a lemon wedge.
Notes
- Quick dinner tip: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- For a scampi-style dish: Add 1/2 cup broth and 1 tbsp butter for a saucier version.
- Spice control: Reduce or omit cayenne for a milder flavor.
- Serving ideas: Pair with jasmine rice, garlic bread, or tossed pasta.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Seafood, Healthy Recipes
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz shrimp
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Spicy Shrimp Recipe, Garlic Shrimp, Lemon Shrimp, Quick Shrimp Dinner, Seafood Recipes, Healthy Shrimp Recipes, Shrimp Scampi, Weeknight Shrimp, Zesty Shrimp Dish