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Shrimp Garlic Sauce

This versatile shrimp garlic sauce is a bright, punchy condiment made by sautéing garlic and shrimp in olive oil, then finishing with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley. It has a slightly smoky, spicy flavor with a glossy, vibrant appearance, perfect for drizzling over greens, veggies, or rice for an added layer of flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4-6 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • optional to taste salt

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp Knife
  • Small bowl
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already prepared, then pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a small bowl and toss with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Set aside to marinate briefly while you prepare the garlic.
  2. Finely chop the garlic cloves, ensuring they are ready to add to the pan for quick cooking. Keep nearby for easy access.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering and fragrant, add the chopped garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, but avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Increase the heat slightly to high. Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and develop a slight curl, creating a gentle sizzling sound and a lovely aroma.
  5. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes into the pan, then pour in the remaining lemon juice. Stir gently, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let everything simmer together for about 1 minute until the sauce is fragrant and slightly thickened, coating the shrimp beautifully.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note. Taste the sauce and adjust with more lemon juice or salt if needed for brightness and seasoning.
  7. Let the shrimp sit in the sauce for a minute off the heat to absorb flavors and slightly thicken. Serve immediately, spooning the glossy, aromatic sauce over your preferred dish or enjoying as is for a quick, flavorful bite.

Notes

For a richer, silkier sauce, swirl in a teaspoon of butter at the end. Keep the sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week; reheat gently to preserve its vibrant flavor and texture.