Description
Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
Add Flavor:
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat.
Serve:
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Bright, zesty, and ready in minutes!
#LemonPepperShrimp #SeafoodLovers #QuickDinner
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Lemon Pepper Shrimp every time. First, ensure your shrimp are thoroughly dried; this is crucial for a good sear. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Use your hands to toss, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to marinate slightly. Meanwhile, mince your garlic and chop the parsley. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn pink and slightly golden. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, push the shrimp to the side, and add the minced garlic to the center of the pan. Cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix it with the shrimp. Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top, tossing everything together. The residual heat will cook the juice just enough.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile shrimp dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light, healthy meal, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or zucchini noodles. For something more substantial, it’s excellent with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious pan juices. You can also toss the cooked shrimp with cooked pasta (like linguine or angel hair) and a splash of pasta water for a quick scampi-style dish. Don’t forget the lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
How-to Summary
Quick summary: Dry shrimp, toss with salt, pepper, and zest. Sear in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side. Add garlic, cook for 30 seconds. Off heat, finish with lemon juice and garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, absolutely. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat them extremely dry before using. This prevents steaming in the pan.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking? Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” and become rubbery.
Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served immediately. However, you can prepare the seasoning mix (salt, pepper, zest) and have your ingredients pre-chopped to speed up cooking.
What can I use instead of fresh lemon juice? Fresh juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work, but the taste will be less bright.
Is the lemon zest necessary? Yes, the zest contains potent citrus oils that provide an intense lemon flavor the juice alone cannot achieve. Don’t skip it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: 1) Not drying the shrimp: This leads to steaming instead of searing. 2) Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to get a good sear. 3) Burning the garlic: Add it at the end and cook briefly; burnt garlic turns bitter. 4) Overcooking: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them as soon as they are opaque. 5) Adding lemon juice too early: Adding it at the end preserves its fresh, bright flavor.
Conclusion
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe is a testament to how a few simple, fresh ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. It’s fast, flavorful, and elegant enough for company yet easy enough for a hectic weeknight. Mastering the quick sear and timing will give you a restaurant-quality dish in under 15 minutes. We hope this guide helps you avoid common errors and enjoy this zesty, perfect shrimp every time you make it.