Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Plump shrimp seared in garlic-infused olive oil, finished with bright lemon and fresh herbs for a quick, elegant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs Shrimp, Garlic, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then squeeze juice from 1 lemon and add 1 tsp zest; toss to coat.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Garlic 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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic 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 Shrimp with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Garlic 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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