Garlic & Herb Sautéed Shrimp
Ingredients:
500 g shrimp, peeled and deveined — medium or large
2–3 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh basil or oregano, chopped
Juice of ½ lemon (optional — gives freshness)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes (for mild heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp. If frozen, thaw and drain shrimp. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels — dry shrimp sear better.
2. Heat the Pan. In a large skillet, heat olive oil (or butter + oil) over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Shrimp. Add shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking — shrimp cook fast! Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
4. Make Garlic-Herb Sauce. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed. Add minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using). Sauté ~30 seconds until fragrant (watch — garlic burns fast). Stir in chopped herbs.
5. Combine & Finish. Return shrimp to the pan. Toss quickly to coat in garlic-herb mixture. If using lemon juice — squeeze over shrimp and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (salt/pepper).
6. Serve. Plate immediately. Serve over pasta, rice, salad, or with bread. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if you like.
