Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’re craving something quick, light, and bursting with bold flavor, this Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is exactly what you need.
Tender shrimp are sautéed in butter, garlic, chili flakes, and fresh lemon juice — creating a sizzling pan sauce that’s tangy, spicy, and irresistibly garlicky. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Best of all, it comes together in under 15 minutes — no marinating, no complicated steps. Just pure, bright, citrusy seafood perfection that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🦐 Quick & easy – Ready in 15 minutes!
- 🍋 Fresh, bright flavor – Lemon and garlic bring the shrimp to life.
- 🌶️ Customizable heat – Adjust chili flakes to your spice level.
- 🍽️ Versatile – Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- 🧈 Restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients.
Whether you’re a shrimp lover or just looking for a fresh, protein-packed meal, this one-pan recipe delivers zesty, spicy flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
🦐 Tip: Use large shrimp for the best texture — they stay juicy and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Instructions
1. Prep the shrimp.
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the pan.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy.
3. Sauté the garlic and chili.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn!
4. Add the shrimp.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1½–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Add lemon.
Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice and zest. Toss to coat the shrimp in the flavorful sauce.
6. Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
🍋 Optional: Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-spicy kick.
What to Serve With Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
- 🍝 Over pasta – toss with linguine or angel hair for a quick seafood pasta.
- 🍚 With rice or quinoa – perfect for soaking up that zesty sauce.
- 🥖 With crusty bread – to mop up every last drop of buttery garlic goodness.
- 🥗 On a salad – for a light, high-protein meal.
Tips for the Best Shrimp
- Don’t overcook. Shrimp turn rubbery fast — remove them as soon as they’re pink.
- Use fresh lemon. Bottled juice won’t give that same brightness.
- Adjust heat. Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add veggies. Cherry tomatoes or spinach cook perfectly in the same pan.
Variations
- 🌶️ Extra Spicy: Add Sriracha or a diced jalapeño.
- 🧄 Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic — you won’t regret it.
- 🍷 Saucy Twist: Deglaze with ¼ cup white wine for restaurant-style flavor.
- 🍊 Citrus Mix: Add orange zest for a sweet citrus balance.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 3g
- Sugar: 0g
Light, lean, and packed with protein — perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap butter for more olive oil or vegan butter — still delicious.
Q: What kind of shrimp should I use?
Large raw shrimp (16–20 count per pound) work best for texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something amazing. Each bite bursts with citrusy brightness, garlicky goodness, and just the right amount of heat — all ready in minutes.
Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you’re craving a light yet flavorful meal.
