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Juicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: The Perfect 20-Min Date Night

Lemon Garlic Shrimp - featured image

A quick, elegant, and flavorful shrimp dish that comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for date nights or busy weeknights. This recipe features a rich lemon garlic butter sauce with a high-heat sear technique to ensure tender, juicy results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Large Shrimp (2125 count per pound), peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 45 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Zest of 1 medium Lemon
  • 1/4 cup Dry White Wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, heating until it shimmers.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted and foaming, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1 minute to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Let bubble for 30 seconds.
  7. Return shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan. Toss gently to coat in sauce and heat through for 30 seconds. Do not overcook.
  8. Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure shrimp are completely dry before cooking to achieve a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove shrimp before making the sauce to prevent overcooking. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely in cold water and pat dry. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, date night dinner, quick seafood recipe, easy shrimp, healthy dinner, gluten-free seafood, stovetop shrimp