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Garlic Lemon Shrimp Sauce

This simple garlic lemon sauce elevates shrimp with its fragrant, caramelized garlic and bright citrus notes. Made with butter, garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes, it cooks quickly until fragrant and silky, creating a flavorful coating on tender shrimp. The dish features a glossy, flavorful sauce with a hint of spice and a fresh herb garnish, perfect for serving over bread or rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined fresh and firm
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted, creamy
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil good quality extra virgin
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley fresh

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Sharp Knife
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt completely, filling the pan with a rich, fragrant aroma.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the hot butter and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. The garlic should sizzle gently and smell warm and sweet.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp develop a pink hue and start to turn opaque.
  4. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until fully pink and opaque, with a slight bounce when pressed. The garlic and shrimp will be fragrant and bubbling nicely.
  5. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the shrimp. Stir well to coat everything evenly, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken slightly, about 30 seconds.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the herbs.
  7. Serve immediately, spooning the glossy, fragrant sauce over the tender shrimp. Pair with crusty bread or rice to soak up the flavorful garlic lemon sauce and enjoy hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. For a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil. Best enjoyed immediately while warm and fragrant.