Garlic Shrimp
Plump shrimp are quickly sautéed with generous slices of garlic, a hint of red pepper for warmth, and finished with fresh lemon and parsley. This low-sodium dish is a perfect light meal ready in under 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the shrimp
- b.If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed.
- c.Rinse the shrimp and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This helps them sear rather than steam.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the aromatics
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan.
- d.Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or it will become bitter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the shrimp
- b.Increase the heat to medium-high and add the dried shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
- c.Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side, until they start to turn pink.
- d.Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through. Do not overcook.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat immediately.
- c.Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- d.Toss everything together to coat the shrimp well.
- e.Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Patting the shrimp very dry is the key to getting a beautiful sear instead of steaming them.
- 2Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook in just a few minutes and will become tough and rubbery if left on the heat too long.
- 3Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best, brightest flavor. Bottled versions can't compare.
- 4For extra flavor, you can add a splash of dry white wine after the garlic cooks and let it reduce before adding the shrimp.
- 5This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and taste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Serve over zucchini noodles or a large bed of mixed greens for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
quickQuick
Use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save on prep time, making this a true 10-minute meal.
ckd friendlyCkd friendly
Reduce shrimp portion to 60g per serving to manage phosphorus. Omit the salt completely and use a salt-free herb blend and extra lemon juice for flavor. Serve with white pasta or rice.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the shrimp portion to 1.5 lbs (680g) and serve alongside quinoa for a protein-packed meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, with relatively few calories.
Supports Heart Health
This recipe uses olive oil, a source of monounsaturated fats, and is low in sodium, which helps support cardiovascular health and manage blood pressure.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp is a great source of selenium, an important antioxidant that helps fight cell damage and supports immune function.
Quick and Nutrient-Dense
As a fast-cooking protein, shrimp allows for a quick meal that doesn't sacrifice nutritional value, providing essential vitamins and minerals like B12 and phosphorus.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, garlic shrimp is a very healthy dish. It's high in lean protein, low in calories, and this version is specifically designed to be low in sodium. The use of olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.