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Easy Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe (Quick & Flavorful)

Easy Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Large shrimp are quickly cooked in olive oil and butter, then coated in a fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley pan sauce. This flavorful seafood dinner serves four and takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined; tails may be left on
  • 1-1 1/2 teaspoons Lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika, optional
Pan Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Finely grated lemon zest, optional but recommended
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
Seasoning
  • As needed Salt, only if needed

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. Toss them with the lemon-pepper seasoning and optional paprika, holding back extra salt until the shrimp are cooked.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  4. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss the shrimp through the pan sauce, taste, and add salt only if needed.
  5. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

Notes

Large shrimp generally take about 4 to 5 minutes total in a skillet. Properly cooked shrimp curl into a loose C shape and reach 145°F/63°C internally; a tightly curled O shape usually indicates overcooking. Pat shrimp dry and avoid overcrowding the pan for better browning.