Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Chili Flakes and Parsley
Bright and zesty shrimp sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil, topped with red chili flakes and fresh parsley for a spicy kick. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes pairs large shrimp, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but garlic is not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn opaque and pink with slightly crisp edges.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat, drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over shrimp, and toss gently.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and serve immediately for a bright, spicy dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Chili Flakes and Parsley take to make?
Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Chili Flakes and Parsley?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Chili Flakes and Parsley?
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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Chili Flakes and Parsley 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Chili Flakes and Parsley?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made for date night and impressed my partner.
- ★★★★★
Perfectly balanced - the lemon and garlic shine without overpowering the shrimp.
- ★★★★☆
Delicious, but I found it slightly bland. Next time I'll add more garlic.
