Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Zest and Parsley

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Tender shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil, brightened with fresh lemon zest and chopped parsley for a light, flavorful dish. This Mediterranean-inspired no-cook recipe, ready in about 16 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp, seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and opaque around edges.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, tossing to combine and heat through for 30 seconds before removing from heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Zest and Parsley take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 and 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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon Zest and Parsley?

Mediterranean no cook 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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