Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving something bursting with bold flavors and that perfect garlicky punch, this Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe is an absolute must-try. I love this because it comes together in just 10 minutes, yet tastes like you spent hours crafting a special meal. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, you’ll find that this dish hits the spot every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe plays a starring role to give you that perfect blend of spice, warmth, and freshness. I find that using fresh spot prawns with shells on locks in the juiciness and flavor.

• Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best aroma and smooth cooking.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic thinly sliced gives a mellow yet intense garlicky essence.
• Dried cayenne chilies (optional): They add a subtle heat; skip them if you prefer mild flavors.
• Raw spot prawns (with heads and shells on): Their shells add flavor and keep the shrimp tender.
• Smoked paprika: I love this because it adds a smoky depth without overpowering the shrimp.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the seasonings perfectly.
• White wine or sherry: Adds acidity and a lovely aromatic lift during cooking.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, it brings a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Essential for squeezing over just before eating to brighten the dish.
• Crusty bread: Great for mopping up all the delicious garlic oil left in the pan.

Variations

I love tweaking this Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe now and then to match whatever mood I’m in or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to customize — that’s what makes it fun!

• Make it Spicy: I sometimes toss in fresh chopped jalapeños for an extra kick — my family goes crazy for the heat!
• Dairy-Free Creamy Twist: Adding a splash of coconut milk near the end turns it into a comforting, creamy skillet that’s perfect with rice.
• Use Other Seafood: Feel free to swap prawns for scallops or firm fish like cod for variety.
• Herb Swap: While parsley is classic, I sometimes add fresh cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Gently Infuse the Oil with Garlic and Chillies

Start by heating olive oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat. Then, add those thinly sliced garlic cloves and dried cayenne chilies (if you’re using them). Fry gently for about 1 minute, just until the garlic softens but doesn’t brown. I discovered this trick to avoid bitter garlic, which can happen quickly if the heat is too high.

Step 2: Sear the Prawns with Smoked Paprika

Turn the heat up to high and layer the raw spot prawns in the pan, sprinkling smoked paprika and a pinch of sea salt over them. Let them sear undisturbed for about 1 minute. You’ll notice the shells start to turn that beautiful pink shade — just like magic!

Step 3: Add Wine and Finish Cooking

Pour in the white wine or sherry, and flip the prawns carefully to cook the other side. Keep cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully pink and opaque. This step adds a subtle acidic brightness that balances the richness beautifully.

Step 4: Serve Immediately with Parsley and Lemon

Scatter the chopped fresh parsley over the sizzling prawns, add extra salt if needed, and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Be careful when serving — the oil and pan will stay hot for a few minutes. I like to serve this with plenty of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlicky oil.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish — it adds a splash of green and a subtle herbal brightness that perfectly complements the richness. I also love squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top right before eating, which lifts the entire dish and adds a zesty tang I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

When I serve this Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe, my favorite sides include a crusty baguette to soak up every garlicky drop, or a simple green salad with crisp vinaigrette for balance. Sometimes I pair it with steamed rice or warm couscous to make it heartier and stretch the meal a bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to present the shrimp in the skillet right at the table — it keeps things casual and fun. Adding a pretty sprinkle of extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side makes it feel festive without extra fuss. For a party, serve it alongside tapas-style dishes for a Spanish-themed spread that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend eating within 1-2 days because shrimp tend to get rubbery over time. Keep the garlic oil too — it’s amazing for drizzling on salads or bread later.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe because shrimp change texture when frozen and thawed. But if you need to, freeze promptly in a sealed container and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat just until heated through. I avoid the microwave here because it tends to overcook shrimp quickly. Adding a splash of olive oil can revive that lovely garlicky sauce during reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Shrimp Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, fast, and utterly delicious. When I first tried making it, I was hooked by how layered the flavors became with just a few ingredients. I genuinely think you’ll enjoy making and sharing it just as much as my family and I do. So grab your skillet, fresh garlic, and shrimp — and let’s make some magic!

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