Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Paprika and Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and smoked paprika, finished with a bright splash of lemon for a vibrant Spanish-inspired dish. This spanish ready in about 18 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 190 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: 8 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 190 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 1 tsp smoked paprika, sautéing 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 in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the shrimp turn pink and edges begin to crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque. Remove from heat and immediately drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the shrimp.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and stir gently to combine. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Smoked Paprika and Lemon 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 Smoked Paprika and Lemon?

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 Smoked Paprika and Lemon?

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 Smoked Paprika and Lemon 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 Smoked Paprika and Lemon?

Spanish spanish 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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