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A close-up shot of a plate of Weeknight Garlic Shrimp Dinner, garnished with fresh parsley.

Classic Weeknight Garlic Shrimp Dinner

A quick and easy garlic shrimp recipe perfect for a weeknight meal. This dish comes together in minutes with minimal ingredients, offering a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Paper Towels

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and de-veined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 4-6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional
  • 1/2 to 1 lemon for juice and optional wedges for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Thaw frozen shrimp completely, then pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  • While the pan heats, mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add olive oil and butter (if using) and wait for the butter to melt.
  • Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Finishing

  • Remove the pan from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, and sprinkle with parsley or cilantro.
  • Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve this garlic shrimp with your favorite pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes.