If you’re looking for a dish that’s as quick and delicious as it is zesty, then Lemon Pepper Shrimp is calling your name. Think tender, juicy shrimp that are perfectly seasoned with a burst of citrusy lemon and a kick of black pepper. It’s bright, fresh, and packs just the right amount of flavor to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re whipping this up for a busy weeknight or serving it as an appetizer at a dinner party, this recipe is an absolute winner.
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Let’s face it—shrimp is one of those ingredients that can do no wrong. It cooks quickly, is packed with protein, and holds onto seasoning like a champ. Add the tangy, aromatic lemon and the bold pepper, and you’ve got a dish that’s seriously hard to resist. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Lemon Pepper Shrimp
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about simplicity and flavor. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a quick dinner, but also great for salads, tacos, or pasta dishes. This recipe can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Shrimp might sound fancy, but it doesn’t have to break the bank! This dish uses simple, affordable ingredients, making it an easy option for a weeknight meal.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in about 15 minutes—yes, really! That means more time to relax or enjoy a glass of wine while the shrimp cook to perfection.
Customizable: You can tweak the level of lemon or pepper to suit your taste. Want it a little spicier? Add some red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients in Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Here’s everything you need for this simple and scrumptious dish:
Shrimp: You’ll need peeled and deveined shrimp—whether fresh or frozen, just make sure to thaw it before cooking.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give the shrimp that citrusy zing. It’s the star of the dish, so don’t skip this!
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a sharp, aromatic bite that complements the lemon perfectly.
Garlic: A couple of garlic cloves, minced to perfection, add depth and richness to the dish.
Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the shrimp and infusing it with flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance out the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this zesty, flavorful shrimp dish:
Prep the Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely. Pat it dry with a paper towel to ensure it cooks evenly.
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, or they’ll become tough.
Season the Shrimp: Once the shrimp is cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with lemon zest. Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste, and season with a pinch of salt.
Finish with Herbs: If desired, garnish the shrimp with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shrimp hot, either on its own or with a side of rice, veggies, or a fresh salad. It’s light, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Lemon Pepper Shrimp
This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to serve it:
Rice or Quinoa: Pair the shrimp with a simple bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. The shrimp’s zesty sauce will mix beautifully with the grains.
Pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a light and flavorful dish. Lemon pepper shrimp pasta is always a crowd-pleaser.
Fresh Salad: Serve the shrimp on top of a green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy option.
Tacos: For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in soft taco shells with avocado, lettuce, and a squeeze of extra lime.
Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make a great side dish to round out the meal.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the shrimp as it cooks.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re following a keto or paleo diet, this dish is already perfect for you.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat.
Double the Batch: You can easily double this recipe for larger groups. It’s just as quick to make a bigger batch!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the shrimp and garlic in advance for an even quicker meal.
Q4: Can I add other flavors to the shrimp?
A4: Yes! You can add a bit of white wine, a dash of hot sauce, or even some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat the shrimp?
A5: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil or butter to keep the shrimp moist.
Q6: Can I make this dish spicy?
A6: Of course! Just add some red pepper flakes to the garlic or shrimp as they cook for a spicy kick.
Q7: How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
A7: Keep a close eye on the shrimp and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough.
Q8: Can I use a different protein?
A8: Definitely! This recipe works well with chicken or fish too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A9: Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Q10: How can I make this dish more filling?
A10: Serve the shrimp with a hearty side like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to make it more filling.
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp is fresh, zesty, and easy to make, perfect for those nights when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or veggies, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Print
Lemon Pepper Shrimp
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
Description
This Lemon Pepper Shrimp is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it pairs well with pasta or rice for a light and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat dry raw shrimp with paper towels. In a bowl, gently combine shrimp with lemon pepper seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, but do not let it brown.
- Add the seasoned shrimp and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turns opaque.
- Once the shrimp turns opaque, turn off the heat. Stir in the parsley and add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Notes
- For added flavor, serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or over your favorite pasta or rice.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 195mg