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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Juice of 1 lemon The core of this dish is the shrimp. You want to use large shrimp. They cook well and stay juicy. The garlic adds a punch. Fresh garlic is key. Mincing it right before cooking keeps its flavor strong. Olive oil serves as the base for cooking. It helps the shrimp cook evenly. You can adjust the heat with red pepper flakes. If you like some spice, add them. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Oregano and thyme add herbal notes without overpowering. For garnishes, salt and pepper are essential. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. It balances the flavors and adds a zing. Each ingredient plays a role. This simple mix creates a flavorful meal in no time. First, take a large skillet and place it on the stove. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute. You will know it's ready when it shimmers. This step is key to making the shrimp cook evenly. Next, add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. If you like some heat, toss in the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika. Stir for another 15 seconds to infuse the flavors. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink and opaque, flip them over. Then, add the remaining olive oil, dried oregano, and thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is fully cooked. Finally, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and stir well. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Fresh garlic is key to this dish. It gives a strong taste that makes the shrimp pop. When you chop garlic, do it right before cooking. The longer it sits, the less flavor it has. Use fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme for the best taste. Each herb adds its own unique flavor. If you love heat, try adding red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without being too spicy. Don’t overcook your shrimp! They cook fast, usually in just 2-3 minutes per side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. If you cook them too long, they become rubbery. Keep an eye on them while cooking. Flip them gently to avoid breaking them apart. Use medium-high heat for the best results. This way, you get a nice sear without drying them out. Serve garlic herb shrimp over rice or pasta. They soak up the flavors well. A fresh salad is also a great choice. It adds crunch and freshness to your meal. You can pair it with crusty bread to mop up any sauce. For a fun twist, serve it with tacos or in a wrap. The possibilities are endless! {{image_2}} Adding vegetables can make your garlic herb shrimp skillet heartier and more colorful. You can use fresh veggies like: - Bell peppers - Zucchini - Spinach - Cherry tomatoes Simply chop them up and toss them in the skillet after the garlic. Cook until they are tender but still crisp. This adds more flavor and nutrients to your meal. If you enjoy heat, try some spicy options. Besides red pepper flakes, you can use: - Sriracha - Jalapeños - Cayenne pepper Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Adding these will give your dish a nice kick that enhances the garlic and herbs. You can substitute shrimp with other proteins for variety. Some great options are: - Chicken breast - Scallops - Tofu If using chicken, cut it into small pieces and cook it fully before adding garlic. For scallops, cook them for just a few minutes until they are golden. Tofu works well too; just make sure to press it first to remove extra moisture. Each protein brings its own unique flavor to the dish. To store leftover garlic herb shrimp, let it cool first. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Always check for any off smells before eating. If it smells bad, throw it away. Proper storage helps keep the shrimp safe and tasty. To freeze garlic herb shrimp, follow a few simple steps. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. The shrimp can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating shrimp, avoid overcooking it. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and stir gently until warmed through. This usually takes about three to four minutes. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to keep it tender. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, run cold water over them for 10 to 15 minutes. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty as fresh shrimp. - Tips for using frozen shrimp: - Pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the skillet. - Adjust cooking time since they may take a minute longer to cook through. Garlic herb shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice or Quinoa: Both absorb flavors well and complement the shrimp. - Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness to your plate. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies make a healthy side. Cleaning shrimp is easy. Here’s a step-by-step process: 1. Rinse: Start by rinsing shrimp under cool water. 2. Peel: Hold the shrimp in one hand. Use your other hand to pull off the shell. 3. Devein: Make a shallow cut along the back. Remove the dark vein with your fingers or a small knife. 4. Rinse again: Give them another rinse to remove any grit. Cleaning shrimp yourself is simple and often fresher than pre-cleaned shrimp. This blog post covered everything you need to make garlic herb shrimp. We discussed the key ingredients, like shrimp and spices, and I shared easy steps to cook them perfectly. You learned tips for great flavor and serving ideas to impress your guests. Variations let you get creative with veggies or spices. Remember to follow proper storage methods to enjoy your leftovers safely. With simple techniques and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal. Happy cooking!

Garlic Herb Shrimp Skillet

Whip up a delicious Garlic Herb Shrimp Skillet in just 15 minutes! This easy recipe features juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic, herbs, and a splash of lemon for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick meal with friends, this dish is packed with mouthwatering taste. Click to explore the full recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      If using, add the red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to the pan and stir for another 15 seconds.

        Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.

          Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until they turn pink and opaque. Flip them over.

            Add the remaining olive oil, dried oregano, and thyme to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is fully cooked and nicely coated with the garlic herb mix.

              Squeeze the juice of a lemon over the shrimp and stir well to combine flavors.

                Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4