Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Parsley
Quick and flavorful shrimp sautéed in garlic and finished with a fresh burst of lemon and parsley for a bright seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 12 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, olive oil 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
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts and foams.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 4: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until fully opaque and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Parsley 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 Shrimp with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh 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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh 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 Shrimp with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh 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 Shrimp with Lemon, Garlic, and Fresh Parsley?
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.