Perfectly Balanced Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Looking for a dish that is both simple to prepare and full of flavor? This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together, promises just that. The combination of fresh lemon juice and fragrant garlic provides a bright yet savory base that pairs wonderfully with various side dishes like rice or pasta.

Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, while the actual cooking time is about 25 minutes. This recipe serves four people comfortably.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves of garlic, minced finely
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and set aside. While you do this, finely mince the garlic using a sharp knife or food processor.

In a medium-sized saucepan or skillet over medium heat, pour in half of the olive oil to cover the bottom. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them; if you notice any sign of burning, immediately remove the pan from heat.

Once done, add the lemon juice and cook for another minute or two until the lemon juice is heated through but hasn't reduced too much. Stir frequently during this process so that the mixture doesn’t stick and scorch to the bottom of your pot.

Transfer the garlic-lemon mixture into a mixing bowl. Add the remaining olive oil, followed by the shrimp. Toss everything together until all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper according to your preference. Taste before final seasoning adjustment - sometimes a little extra squeeze of lemon can make all the difference!

Now it’s time to cook those lovely shrimps! Return the skillet or saucepan to medium heat, add the remaining half of olive oil if needed, and place the coated shrimp inside. Let them sear for 3 minutes before flipping each piece using tongs or a spatula.

Cooking should continue on this side until the shrimp turn opaque and slightly pink in color. Cooking time varies depending upon how done you like your shrimp; generally speaking, aim for about another minute per side. Overcooking leads to rubbery texture which isn’t pleasant at all!

Garnish & Serving

For extra visual appeal and freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve immediately either on top of hot cooked rice or noodles to complete the meal.

Rice: Steamed short-grain white or brown rice pairs wonderfully well with this dish.
Noodles: Opting for thin soba noodles or wide egg noodles also works beautifully here.

Health Benefits & Tips

This simple yet delicious recipe is rich in several essential nutrients. Shrimp itself contains significant amounts of protein, vitamins B12 and D, as well as important minerals like selenium which supports immune function among other benefits.

Protein: High protein content makes this dish suitable for anyone looking to build or maintain muscle mass.
Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin B12 and Selenium contribute towards enhancing energy levels, brain health, cardiovascular protection amongst others.

To ensure maximum freshness and flavor, always buy fresh shrimp. If buying frozen ones, thaw them properly before use to avoid any adverse effects on texture and taste.

The lemon-garlic sauce adds natural sweetness and acidity that complements the umami richness of the shrimp perfectly. Feel free to adjust quantities based on personal taste preferences too!

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe not only delivers an explosion of flavors but also showcases how easy it can be to create a nutritious and satisfying meal right at home. Whether you're hosting friends or simply enjoying dinner alone, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Cooking time: 25 minutes (actual cooking), Preparation time: 30 minutes.