Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Paprika and Lemon
Sautéed shrimp infused with smoky paprika and bright lemon, perfect for a quick and flavorful Spanish tapas dish. This spanish-inspired mardi gras ready in about 18 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with 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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with 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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with 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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with 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 Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp with Paprika and Lemon?
Spanish mardi gras 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So simple and flavorful, exactly what I needed for a weeknight meal. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Quick and easy, and the flavors are authentic. I doubled the garlic and it was perfect.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a hit! The garlic and paprika really shine, and the lemon ties it all together. My husband even asked for seconds.
