How to Make Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Lemon garlic shrimp is a popular dish that combines the tangy brightness of lemons with the savory flavor of garlic. This versatile seafood can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• Juice from half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Steps to Prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp:

To start, peel the shrimp by removing the tails and deveining them. You can use your fingers or a knife for this step.

1. Boil the shrimp in salted water until they turn pink. Drain and set aside once they are ready.
2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest (if using), lemon juice, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper to form the sauce for your dish. Make sure you mix it well so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Heat up olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the shrimp and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they become opaque and cooked through.
4. Serve immediately after adding your freshly prepared sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add color and aroma.

Cooking Time & Servings:

This recipe takes approximately 15-20 minutes for preparation and cooking, which makes it a quick and easy dish. It serves two people nicely as an appetizer or side dish.

Health Benefits of Lemon Garlic Shrimp:

Incorporating lemon and garlic into your diet can provide several health benefits. Garlic has been known to support heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and preventing the formation of plaques in arteries. Similarly, lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity, maintain skin elasticity, and aid in collagen production.

Shrimp is a great source of protein with low fat content. They also provide omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins B12 and D, iron, zinc, and magnesium—nutrients essential for proper brain function, bone health, red blood cell formation, and more.

Tips to Ensure Success:

• Peeling the shrimp carefully helps remove any sand or grit from their shells. If you find the process too messy, consider buying already peeled and deveined shrimp which are widely available in most grocery stores.
• Garlic imparts a strong flavor to this dish; therefore, it's important not to overcook it when sautéing as cooking for too long might make its taste harsh or bitter.
• Adjust the quantity of lemon juice according to your preference. Some people prefer more tangy flavors while others like less acidity in their dishes.

Conclusion:

Lemon garlic shrimp is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add variety and excitement to their meal plans. With minimal effort required yet delivering great results, this simple dish promises to impress both casual diners and experienced cooks alike.

To summarize, preparing lemon garlic shrimp involves boiling the shrimp briefly until they turn pink, then combining fresh lemon juice with butter and finely chopped garlic. Finally, you just need to lightly pan-fry the shrimp in olive oil before drizzling this aromatic mixture over them. This simple yet flavorful dish can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course for a quick and satisfying meal.