Sautéed Garlic and Herb Shrimp with Lemon Zest
Tender shrimp cooked quickly in olive oil with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a bright finish of lemon zest for a popular, light seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes pairs large shrimp (peeled and deveined), olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to blend flavors.
- Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic and Herb Shrimp with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Garlic and Herb Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
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.
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Equipment for this recipe
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