Pan-Seared Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley
Plump shrimp seared until golden, finished with a bright lemon-parsley sauce that complements the natural sweetness of the seafood. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, avocado oil, garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil, minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 1 lemon) and 1/4 cup chopped parsley, cooking for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly and coats shrimp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pan-Seared Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley?
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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh 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 Pan-Seared Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh 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 Pan-Seared Garlic Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh 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
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.