Description

Peppery Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed with minced garlic, freshly cracked black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe offers a bold spicy kick balanced by bright citrus and fresh parsley, making it perfect for fast weeknight dinners or impressive appetizers with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

12 oz fresh or frozen peeled shrimp (thawed if frozen)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus extra to taste
2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Optional Ingredients

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Ensure they are fully thawed if using frozen, then set aside.
Heat the Pan and Oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking, to achieve the perfect sear.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir gently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Season immediately with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Add Lemon and Toss: Remove the pan from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp. Toss gently to coat all shrimp evenly in the citrusy, peppery sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for color and a fresh herbal note. Serve straight from the pan or plated with your choice of side.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and freshly cracked black pepper for the best aroma and flavor.
Do not overcook the shrimp—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
Toasting the black pepper slightly in the oil before adding shrimp enhances its pungency.
Adjust lemon juice amount to balance the pepper heat to your liking without overpowering.
Prepare all ingredients before starting, as cooking moves quickly.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 oz shrimp with sauce
Calories: 220
Sugar: 0.5 g
Sodium: 400 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 180 mg

Keywords: peppery garlic shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, spicy shrimp, garlic shrimp, easy shrimp appetizer, healthy shrimp dish, gluten free shrimp