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Italian Garlic Shrimp

Italian Garlic Shrimp

Italian Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and bright lemon juice. Perfect for fast weeknight dinners or elegant appetizers, this recipe delivers bold Italian-inspired flavors with simple ingredients in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary, then pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. Mince the garlic cloves finely, chop fresh parsley, and juice the lemon. Prepping everything upfront speeds up cooking and keeps things smooth.
  2. Heat Olive Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, warm the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium heat. The melting butter adds richness while the olive oil prevents it from burning, creating the perfect base for your shrimp.
  3. Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant: Add the minced garlic to the hot pan, cooking gently for about 30 seconds to a minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much—it should release aroma without bitterness.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy.
  5. Season and Add Lemon Juice: Sprinkle salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, adding a refreshing zing that brightens the dish.
  6. Toss in Fresh Parsley and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp, and gently toss everything together. The parsley adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal finishing touch that’s irresistible.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for better texture and sweetness.
  • Don’t overcook shrimp; once pink and curled, remove from heat immediately to avoid rubberiness.
  • Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and flavor absorption.
  • Lower the heat if garlic browns too fast; it should be golden, not burnt.
  • For amplified citrus aroma, add a pinch of lemon zest with parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Garlic Shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, garlic shrimp, easy Italian seafood, weeknight dinner, shrimp appetizer