Zesty Lemon Herb Cast Iron Shrimp Skillet
This Zesty Lemon Herb Cast Iron Shrimp Skillet recipe is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight meal. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection with garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley.
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
- paper towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled, deveined, and tails on or off
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- organic lemon half for juice, half for wedges
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Preheat a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until it is slightly smoking.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the hot skillet, then swirl to coat the pan.
- Add half of the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan; cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred, then remove to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet, then repeat the searing process with the remaining shrimp and remove to the plate with the first batch.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Return all the seared shrimp to the skillet, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, and sprinkle with fresh parsley; toss gently to coat and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the skillet while searing the shrimp, as this can steam them instead of creating a nice sear. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.