Shrimp has always been one of my go-to ingredients when I need a quick, flavorful meal, and this lemon garlic shrimp recipe truly shines as a Mediterranean classic. It’s a simple dish, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—the flavors are vibrant and layered, thanks to the combination of fresh lemon, garlic, leeks, and parsley. With just a few ingredients, you can bring a restaurant-quality dish to your table in less than 20 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a main course, this recipe is a perfect choice.
One of the reasons I love cooking Mediterranean dishes like this one is because they’re not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Shrimp is a lean protein that fits beautifully into the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes seafood, vegetables, herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil. This diet, long celebrated for its health benefits, promotes eating whole, minimally processed foods, and prioritizes ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
Making lemon garlic shrimp is quick and easy. Start by sautéing sliced leeks in olive oil and butter, then add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Add shrimp, cook until pink, then finish with lemon zest, juice, and fresh parsley. This dish is ready in under 20 minutes!
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with:
- Crusty bread for dipping into the garlicky lemon sauce.
- A simple Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta.
- Grains like couscous, quinoa, or bulgur wheat.
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta?
To transform this dish into a pasta meal:
- Cook your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine) while preparing the shrimp.
- Toss the cooked shrimp and leeks with the drained pasta, making sure to coat the pasta in the lemony, garlicky sauce.
- Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino cheese before serving.
In this dish, we sauté leeks and garlic in olive oil and butter, which infuses the shrimp with rich flavor. The bright, zesty lemon juice and zest add acidity, while the parsley freshens the entire dish, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Plus, this recipe is loaded with nutrients. Shrimp is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health, and garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health. Every ingredient in this dish has its role, both in terms of flavor and wellness.
Beyond its health benefits, this dish embodies the heart of Mediterranean cooking—fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared simply but thoughtfully. This recipe isn’t just about feeding your body; it’s about enjoying the process of cooking and eating. Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner with crusty bread to soak up the juices or tossing it with pasta for a heartier meal, lemon garlic shrimp is a dish that brings warmth and flavor to the table.
FAQs
Is Shrimp Eaten in the Mediterranean Diet?
Yes, shrimp is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, which values seafood as a primary source of lean protein. Seafood, especially shellfish like shrimp, is enjoyed regularly due to its health benefits, particularly its omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health. In Mediterranean dishes, shrimp is often cooked with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, just like in this recipe.
What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use for Lemon Garlic Shrimp?
Medium to large shrimp work best for this recipe because they maintain their texture and flavor well during cooking. Be sure to use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp for a smoother cooking experience and better results.
How Do You Know When Shrimp is Cooked?
Shrimp cook quickly—usually within 3-4 minutes. They’re fully done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make shrimp tough and rubbery, so it’s important to watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re ready.
Are Shrimp Healthy?
Yes! Shrimp are packed with lean protein and essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Shrimp also provide selenium, an antioxidant that helps combat inflammation. Combined with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, shrimp are part of a balanced, nutrient-dense Mediterranean diet.
Sizzling Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 leek, sliced thin (white only)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound raw shrimp, shells removed and deveined
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt, cooking until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, turning them halfway through.
- Remove from heat and add the lemon zest and juice, tossing to combine with the shrimp and leeks.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately, drizzling the pan juices over the shrimp. Enjoy with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
Nutrition
About the Author: Bill Bradley, R.D.
tried this, added a small chopped birdseye chilli for a bit of heat , was great with a lump of sourdough bread
Love the add ons!