Pan-Seared Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic
Plump shrimp seared with garlic and lemon until bright pink and perfectly tender. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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 shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Remove shrimp and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet, then stir in minced garlic and lemon zest; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon juice, return shrimp to skillet, and toss for 1 minute until heated through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic?
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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic?
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 Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic?
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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
