Garlic and Herb Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp quickly sautéed in garlic and fresh herbs, finished with bright lemon zest for a simple and elegant seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring to develop a slight sear.
  4. Step 4: Flip shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until pink and opaque. Season with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Toss gently to coat shrimp evenly and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Herb Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic and Herb Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Herb Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic and Herb Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic and Herb Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon Zest high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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