If you love bold flavors and easy dinners, Garlic Shrimp is about to become your new favorite. This vibrant dish brings together plump, juicy shrimp, golden sautéed garlic, a hint of spice, and a shower of fresh herbs—all in under 10 minutes! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll crave endlessly and turn to whenever you want dinner to feel both special and effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Fast: From fridge to table in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
- Big, Bold Flavor: The combination of sizzling garlic and smoky paprika transforms simple shrimp into something extraordinary.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: You only need pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients to taste like a restaurant chef.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust the spice, herbs, or serving style to fit your mood and menu—there’s room to make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Shrimp recipe is proof that the simplest ingredients often make the most magical meals. Each one adds unique flavor, texture, or aroma, working together for an unforgettable bite—so don’t skip a thing!
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Go for fresh or thawed frozen; removing the shells helps the garlic-infused oil penetrate every bite.
- Garlic (sliced thin): The star of the show—thin slicing lets it caramelize gently without burning.
- Extra virgin Spanish olive oil: Adds fruity richness and carries all the flavors; quality really shines here!
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough for gentle heat, but easy to adjust based on your spice preference.
- Sweet Spanish paprika: Lends a beautiful color and subtle smokiness, which makes the dish feel truly Mediterranean.
- Kosher salt: Seasoning the shrimp right as they hit the pan makes every morsel perfectly savory.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens and freshens each bite for a restaurant-quality finish.
Variations
Garlic Shrimp is endlessly versatile, so you can have fun and tweak the flavors to match cravings, dietary needs, or whatever’s left in your pantry. Here are some tasty variations to inspire your next spin!
- Lemon Zest Twist: Add finely grated lemon zest at the end for a sunny, citrusy finish.
- Spicy Sriracha Drizzle: Kick up the heat by swirling in a little Sriracha or hot sauce after cooking.
- Butter Upgrade: Swap in a tablespoon of butter for some of the olive oil for a richer, silkier sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Toss with spiralized zucchini or serve over a bed of sautéed greens rather than rice or pasta.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Infuse the Oil with Garlic Flavor
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté, stirring gently, for about two minutes—just until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Don’t rush this part! The slow sizzle coaxes out all the garlicky magic.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Next, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle over the kosher salt and sweet paprika. Let the shrimp cook for around 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until they’re opaque and just cooked through. Keep a close eye—overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery fast, so as soon as they’re pink, they’re ready!
Step 3: Finish with Freshness
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately shower the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley. This finishing touch adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal aroma that brightens up the entire dish.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Quickly divide the flavorful Garlic Shrimp among your plates while they’re still warm, spooning some of that amazing garlic oil over each serving. It’s ready to enjoy—just add your favorite sides!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Shrimp
- Get the Garlic Golden, Not Brown: Watch the garlic closely as it cooks—golden edges mean flavor, but once it’s brown, it can turn bitter fast!
- Use Room-Temperature Shrimp: Take your shrimp out of the fridge a few minutes before cooking to prevent excess moisture and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Skimp on the Oil: The olive oil becomes gorgeously aromatic and doubles as a sauce—serve with crusty bread for dunking!
- Fresh Parsley, Always: Add the parsley right at the end to keep its vibrant flavor and color—dried parsley just doesn’t do it justice here.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley and maybe a light drizzle of fruity olive oil over the Garlic Shrimp just before serving. If you want to brighten things, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon adds an irresistible sparkle.
Side Dishes
This recipe loves company—think fluffy rice, warm pasta, or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up every drop of garlicky oil. Pair it with a big green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal that will wow everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Garlic Shrimp into elegant tapas by serving it in small bowls with toothpicks, or pile it onto crostini for a festive appetizer. For dinner parties, try layering it over creamy polenta or a vibrant risotto for a dish that steals the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let your Garlic Shrimp cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to two days—perfect for lunch salads or quick snacks!
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Garlic Shrimp for up to one month. Place the cooled shrimp and any extra oil in a freezer-safe bag or container; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and garlic oil in a skillet over low heat just until heated through—avoid microwaving, as shrimp can get tough if overcooked. A squeeze of fresh lemon perks the flavors right up!
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Garlic Shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe, as cooking them directly in the garlicky oil helps them soak up all the wonderful flavors. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery if heated too long—but if that’s all you have, just toss them in the pan at the very end to warm through quickly.
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Do I have to use Spanish paprika, or will regular paprika work?
If you can find Spanish sweet paprika, it truly adds a lovely, subtle smokiness. However, regular mild paprika is a great substitute—just avoid hot or smoked paprika unless you want more intense flavor!
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What size shrimp is best for this Garlic Shrimp recipe?
Large shrimp (often labeled 21/25 per pound) are ideal, as they cook quickly but don’t dry out. Medium or even jumbo shrimp work too—just adjust the cooking time as needed so they stay plump and tender.
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Can I double this Garlic Shrimp recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a bigger skillet (or work in batches) so the shrimp cook in a single layer. This way, you get perfect searing and no overcrowding—essential for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the way Garlic Shrimp comes together in minutes—full of aroma, color, and flavor that makes every bite feel like a treat. Give it a try the next time you want to impress (even if it’s just yourself!), and let the magic of simple cooking bring a little joy to your dinner table.
Print
Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Succulent shrimp are cooked with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of paprika, creating a dish that is bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves garlic, sliced thin
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin Spanish olive oil
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic: Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until golden (about 2 minutes).
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp, season with salt and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp is cooked through.
- Finish: Stir in chopped parsley and divide the shrimp onto 4 plates.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 239mg
