Garlic-Herb Shrimp

Quick, flavorful shrimp sautéed with garlic and fresh herbs — this Garlic-Herb Shrimp is light, aromatic, and a perfect way to enjoy seafood with minimal fuss. Serve it over pasta, rice, salad, or with crusty bread for a simple yet impressive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast — ready in under 15 minutes
• Fresh, bright flavors from garlic, herbs, and lemon (if you like)
• Versatile — works as main dish, appetizer, or protein boost for pasta/salads
• Simple ingredients, easy to customize
• Great for weeknight dinners or quick lunches

Ingredients

• 500 g (≈ 1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined — medium or large, tails on or off
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or oregano, chopped (optional — mix herbs you like)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional — gives freshness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes (for mild heat)

Optional for Serving

• Cooked rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles
• Side salad or steamed vegetables
• Crusty bread for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

If frozen, thaw and drain shrimp. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels — dry shrimp sear better.

2. Heat the Pan

In a large skillet, heat olive oil (or butter + oil) over medium-high heat.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook 1–2 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking — shrimp cook fast!
Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.

4. Make Garlic-Herb Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed.
Add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using). Sauté ~30 seconds until fragrant (watch — garlic burns fast).
Stir in chopped herbs.

5. Combine & Finish

Return shrimp to the pan. Toss quickly to coat in garlic-herb mixture.
If using lemon juice — squeeze over shrimp and stir.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (salt/pepper).

6. Serve

Plate immediately. Serve over pasta, rice, salad, or with bread. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if you like.

You Must Know

• Shrimp cook quickly — overcooking makes them rubbery.
• Garlic burns fast — sauté briefly, and don’t go too hot.
• Dry shrimp before cooking for better sear and texture.
• Use fresh herbs for best fragrance and flavor.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Add a splash of white wine or broth after garlic to create a light sauce for pasta.
• Add vegetables — cherry tomatoes, spinach or zucchini — in last step for balanced meal.
• Use butter + olive oil combo for richer flavor.
• For more heat — use a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap herbs to taste — thyme, tarragon, or cilantro all work nicely.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end if serving with pasta.

Serving & Storage

• Best served immediately while shrimp is hot and juicy.
• Leftovers: store in airtight container in fridge up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a pan (not microwave) to avoid overcooking shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw fully, drain, and pat dry before cooking.

→ Can I make this with larger shrimp or prawns?
Yes — just adjust cooking time slightly (2–3 min per side for larger ones).

→ Can I skip herbs if I don’t have fresh?
You can — use dried herbs (¼ teaspoon) but flavor will be milder. Add at same time as garlic.

→ Is this gluten-free?
Yes — as written, it contains no gluten.

Enjoy your fresh, garlicky, herb-infused shrimp — simple, delicious, and ready fast! 🍤

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