Looking for a quick dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skillet is your answer! You can whip up this dish in just under 30 minutes. It blends juicy shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce and zesty lemon. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also easy to make. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
To make creamy lemon garlic shrimp, you need the following items:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 5 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Cooked pasta or rice, for serving
Necessary Cooking Equipment
You will need a few tools to make this dish:
– A large skillet
– A spatula or wooden spoon
– A knife for chopping
– A cutting board
– Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have something, don’t worry! Here are some swaps:
– Shrimp: Use chicken or tofu.
– Heavy cream: Try coconut milk or a milk alternative.
– Parmesan cheese: Use any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
– Olive oil: You can use butter or another oil.
– Fresh parsley: Dried parsley works too, but use less.
These swaps help you make the recipe with what you have on hand. Enjoy your cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown. Next, add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and set them aside on a plate.
Making the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix well to combine the flavors. Gradually add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts. The sauce should become creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Combining Ingredients in Skillet
Return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss them gently in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer on low for another 2-3 minutes. This step ensures the shrimp heat through and soak up the flavors. Once ready, serve the creamy lemon garlic shrimp over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with ¼ cup of fresh, chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Cook Shrimp
To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Heat your skillet on medium. Add olive oil and let it warm. Toss in minced garlic and cook for one minute. Then, add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Watch for the color change. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet to avoid overcooking.
Adjusting Flavor to Taste
Lemon is key in this dish. To enhance the flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest. If you like heat, include red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce before serving. If it needs more salt or pepper, adjust as needed. This dish is very forgiving, so don’t be afraid to play with flavors.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve creamy lemon garlic shrimp over cooked pasta or rice. It looks great in a shallow bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley and a slice of lemon. You can also add a side salad for freshness. Garlic bread pairs well too, soaking up that creamy sauce. Enjoy your meal with a chilled glass of white wine.
Variations
Adding Extra Vegetables
You can make this dish even better by adding extra vegetables. Some great choices are spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These veggies add color and nutrients. To include them, sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the shrimp. Cook them until they soften. Then, follow the same steps to add the shrimp and sauce. This gives you a tasty, healthy meal.
Spicy Version with Red Pepper Flakes
Want a kick? You can easily make this dish spicy. Just add more red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon, then taste the sauce. If you want more heat, add a little more. Remember, you can always add spice, but you can’t take it away. Serve it over pasta or rice to help balance the heat. Enjoy the bold flavors!
Using Different Proteins
Shrimp is great, but you can switch it up. Try chicken, scallops, or even tofu for a new twist. If you use chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it in the skillet until it’s no longer pink. For scallops, sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu and sauté it until golden. Each protein changes the dish’s flavor and texture while keeping it creamy and delicious.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp is in the creamy sauce. This helps to keep the shrimp moist and tasty. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you have pasta or rice left, store them separately to avoid sogginess.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, use a skillet for best results. Heat it over low to medium heat. Add the creamy shrimp mixture and stir gently. This keeps the sauce creamy and avoids burning. You can also add a splash of cream or water if the sauce is too thick. Heat until warm, then serve again over fresh pasta or rice.
Freezing for Future Meals
You can freeze this dish for future meals, but note that shrimp may change texture. To freeze, place the creamy shrimp in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label it with the date. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as described above.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Frozen shrimp can taste just as good as fresh shrimp.
What can I serve with creamy lemon garlic shrimp?
You have many options to serve with creamy lemon garlic shrimp. Here are some great choices:
– Cooked pasta
– Rice
– Quinoa
– A fresh salad
– Steamed veggies
All these sides pair well with the rich, creamy sauce.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Creamy lemon garlic shrimp lasts for about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. The shrimp may lose some texture, but the flavor stays great!
This blog post covered all you need to make creamy lemon garlic shrimp. We explored the ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to elevate your dish. You learned about storing leftovers and delicious variations to try. The classic shrimp recipe is easy and fun to make, allowing you to impress family and friends. Whether adjusting flavors or adding veggies, the options are endless. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists!
