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A light lemon shrimp dinner featuring cooked shrimp with lemon slices and herbs.

Light Lemon Shrimp Dinner

A quick and refreshing lemon shrimp dinner perfect for a light meal. This dish comes together in minutes with minimal effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet or pan

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2-3 lemons for juice and zest
  • 1-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Red pepper flakes for heat
  • Fresh dill or chives for herbaceous boost
  • Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sliced bell peppers for veggies
  • Crème fraîche or heavy cream for creamy version
  • Butter for garlic butter variation

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels, then lightly season with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk together the juice of 2-3 fresh lemons and 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl to create the sauce.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the prepared shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  • Remove the pan from the heat, pour the lemon-olive oil sauce over the shrimp, and toss gently to coat.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and black pepper, then serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish pairs well with a side of pasta or rice.