Imagine transforming ordinary shrimp into a restaurant-quality dish that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Easy Pan Seared Shrimp recipe is your ticket to a quick, mouthwatering meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, these golden, succulent shrimp will become your new go-to recipe that'll have everyone asking, "How did you make these?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure that the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help them sear better.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, indicating that it is hot enough for cooking.
- While the oil is heating, season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the shrimp as they cook.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them. This will allow them to develop a nice golden-brown crust.
- After 2-3 minutes, flip the shrimp over using tongs. Add the minced garlic to the skillet at this point. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque, and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over them to add brightness and acidity to the dish.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve the pan-seared shrimp immediately, either as a main dish or as an appetizer. Enjoy with your choice of sides, such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Dry Your Shrimp: The key to a perfect sear is removing excess moisture. Use paper towels to pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking.
- Use High Heat: A hot skillet is crucial for creating that beautiful golden-brown crust. Make sure the oil is shimmering before adding shrimp.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and proper caramelization. If needed, cook in batches.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly! Two to three minutes per side is typically perfect to prevent rubbery texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 220mg
