Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe 2024 - Quick & Delicious

Name: Pan Seared Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Pan seared shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the taste of the sea right to your kitchen. Perfectly cooked shrimp, with a golden, slightly crispy exterior and tender, juicy inside, are a culinary delight that can be prepared in just minutes. This versatile recipe is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a delicious appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients—like fresh shrimp, garlic, lemon, and herbs—you can create a dish that is both healthy and bursting with flavor.

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Why will you love this recipe?

Pan seared shrimp is a dish that checks all the boxes: it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers every time. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp is low in calories, high in protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Bursting with Flavor: A delightful combination of garlic, lemon, butter, and herbs brings out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, salad, or even on its own as a light, flavorful dish.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

Key Notes

Serving	Calories	Prep. Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
4	280 kcal	10 Mins	5 Mins	15 Mins

Kitchen Utensils Needed

Large skillet or frying pan
Tongs or spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Small bowl
Paper towels

Pan Seared Shrimp Ingredients

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined	Check Price
2 tablespoons olive oil	Check Price
3 cloves garlic, minced	Check Price
1 tablespoon unsalted butter	Check Price
Juice of 1 lemon	Check Price
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste	Check Price
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)	Check Price
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped	Check Price

Making Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Shrimp: Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and develop a golden crust.
Add Garlic and Flip: Flip the shrimp and add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Add Butter and Lemon Juice: Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and lemon juice to the pan, tossing the shrimp to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the butter is melted and the shrimp are well coated.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with your choice of side, such as rice, pasta, or salad.

Secret Tips For Better Results

To make your pan seared shrimp truly stand out, there are a few secret tips and tricks that can elevate the flavor and texture of this simple dish. From prepping the shrimp to mastering the heat of your pan, these small adjustments can make a big difference. Here are some expert tips for achieving the best results:

Dry the Shrimp Well: Ensure the shrimp are completely dry before cooking. This helps them sear properly and develop a nice golden crust rather than steaming in the pan.
Preheat the Pan: A hot pan is essential for a quick sear. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. You should hear a sizzle as soon as they hit the pan.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear, resulting in a rubbery texture.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that bottled lemon juice can’t match. It also enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Finish with Cold Butter: Adding cold butter at the end of cooking creates a rich, glossy sauce that clings to the shrimp and enhances its flavor.
Add Fresh Herbs Last: Adding fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil at the end of cooking preserves their vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Flavor Variations

Adding different flavors to your seared shrimp can transform this dish to suit various cuisines and preferences. Here are some delicious flavor variations to try:

Garlic Butter Shrimp: Increase the garlic to 5 cloves and use 3 tablespoons of butter instead of 1. After searing the shrimp, add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding the butter. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Season the shrimp with a Cajun spice blend (paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano) before cooking. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the shrimp at the end for a tangy kick.
Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and dill to the pan after the shrimp is cooked. Increase the lemon juice and add a bit of lemon zest for extra citrus flavor. This variation pairs well with pasta or a fresh salad.
Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the pan along with the garlic and cook until it caramelizes slightly. The honey creates a sweet, sticky glaze that balances perfectly with the garlic and a bit of soy sauce.
Mediterranean Shrimp: Use olive oil, and season the shrimp with a mixture of garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add chopped cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese after cooking for a Mediterranean twist.
Chili Lime Shrimp: Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a dash of hot sauce for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of avocado or guacamole.
Thai Basil Shrimp: Add 1 tablespoon of Thai red curry paste to the pan with the garlic and butter. Stir in a splash of coconut milk and a handful of Thai basil leaves for a rich, aromatic twist.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage of your seared shrimp is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor for future meals. Whether you have leftovers or want to prepare the shrimp ahead of time, following these guidelines will help ensure it stays safe to eat and tastes just as delicious when reheated. Here are some tips for storing them:

Refrigeration: Place the cooked shrimp in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the shrimp is completely cooled before sealing the container to avoid condensation, which can cause sogginess.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Lay the shrimp in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together, and remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, and avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.
Avoid Leaving Out: Do not leave cooked shrimp at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.

Serving Suggestions

Pan seared shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides, making it a great addition to any meal. Whether you prefer something light and fresh or hearty and filling, there are plenty of options to complement the flavors of the shrimp. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to pair with this recipe:

FAQs

Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn opaque and have a pinkish color. They should also form a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.

To thaw shrimp, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes, changing the water once or twice. Alternatively, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

To add spice, incorporate red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spicy seasoning blend into the recipe. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.

Yes, you can cook the shrimp ahead of time and reheat them gently. To maintain their texture, reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.

Conclusion

Pan seared shrimp is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal without the fuss. With its quick cooking time, fresh ingredients, and versatility, it’s a recipe that can easily fit into a busy weeknight or impress guests at a dinner party. Whether you enjoy it with a side of creamy risotto, a fresh salad, or simply on its own, these shrimp deliver a burst of flavor and satisfaction every time. Experiment with different flavor variations, pair it with your favorite sides, and savor the delicious taste of perfectly cooked shrimp in every bite.

Pan Seared Shrimp

Pan Seared shrimp is a quick and delicious dish where shrimp are cooked in a hot pan, usually with some oil or butter, garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and sometimes lemon juice or herbs. The shrimp develop a nice golden crust on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

Large Skillet or Frying Pan
Tongs or spatula
Chef's knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Small bowl & Paper towels

Ingredients

1 lb 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and develop a golden crust.
Flip the shrimp and add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and lemon juice to the pan, tossing the shrimp to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the butter is melted and the shrimp are well coated.
Remove the shrimp from the heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with your choice of side, such as rice, pasta, or salad.

Keyword Pan Fried Shrimp, Pan Seared Shrimp