Honestly, weeknight dinners at our house can sometimes feel like a race against the clock. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and just general end-of-day exhaustion, the thought of cooking something elaborate often feels impossible. That’s why recipes that are not only delicious but also incredibly easy and quick to prepare are absolute lifesavers. Enter this Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp recipe – a true weeknight wonder! The first time I made this, I was skeptical that something so simple could be so flavorful. But from the moment the tantalizing aroma of garlic and lemon filled my kitchen, I knew we were onto something good. And let me tell you, it was a hit! My family devoured it, even my picky eater who usually shies away from seafood. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, juicy and infused with bright, zesty lemon and savory garlic. The best part? Cleanup was a breeze, just one pan! This recipe has become a staple in our rotation, and I’m so excited to share it with you. If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that will impress even on the busiest of nights, you’ve found it!

Ingredients

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. You won’t need a long list of obscure items, just a few key components that come together to create a flavor explosion. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp masterpiece:

• 1.5 lbs Large Shrimp: Look for large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed completely). Leaving the tails on is optional, but it can add a nice presentation and a little extra flavor during cooking. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before using. This helps them to brown nicely and not steam in the oven.
• 1 Lemon: You’ll need one large, juicy lemon. We’ll be using both the zest and the juice. The zest provides a bright, aromatic lemon flavor, while the juice adds acidity and tang. Make sure to zest the lemon before you juice it!
• 6 Cloves Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that signature garlicky flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic! Six cloves might seem like a lot, but it mellows beautifully as it roasts and infuses the shrimp and vegetables with its savory goodness. Mince the garlic finely or press it for even distribution.
• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits. Olive oil helps to roast the shrimp and vegetables perfectly, preventing them from drying out and adding a rich, Mediterranean touch.
• 1 lb Asparagus: Asparagus adds a lovely green color, a slightly grassy flavor, and a satisfying bite to the dish. Look for asparagus spears that are firm and bright green. Snap off the woody ends before using. You can substitute or add other vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini if you prefer.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper: A red bell pepper adds sweetness, color, and a boost of vitamins. You can use other colors of bell peppers as well, such as yellow or orange, for variety. Remove the seeds and membranes and chop the pepper into bite-sized pieces.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that complements the lemon and garlic beautifully. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness and herbaceousness. Italian flat-leaf parsley is preferred for its stronger flavor, but curly parsley will also work. Chop it finely and use it as a garnish at the end.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Use kosher salt or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste. Season generously to taste, keeping in mind that shrimp and vegetables can absorb a good amount of salt.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions:

• Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Broccoli florets, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, green beans, or even sliced onions would all be delicious additions or substitutions. Root vegetables like potatoes or carrots will take longer to cook and might not be ideal for a quick one-pan meal with shrimp.
• Herbs: Besides parsley, you could experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or dill. Each herb will impart a slightly different flavor profile. A sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning can also be used if you don’t have fresh herbs.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. For a milder dish, omit them entirely. For more heat, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili.
• Citrus: While lemon is classic with shrimp and garlic, you could try using lime juice and zest for a slightly different, more vibrant citrus flavor.
• Shrimp Size: While large shrimp are recommended, you can use medium or jumbo shrimp as well. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller shrimp will cook faster, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Garlic Lovers: If you are a true garlic enthusiast, feel free to add even more garlic! Roasted garlic becomes sweet and mellow, so extra garlic will only enhance the flavor.

Instructions

This recipe is all about simplicity and efficiency. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to enjoy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes washing the pan a breeze. You can also use foil, but parchment paper is generally preferred as it prevents any potential aluminum taste from transferring to the food.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and prepare your vegetables. Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus and cut the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. If you are using other vegetables, prepare them accordingly. Ensure the vegetables are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Prepare the Shrimp: If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is important to ensure they roast rather than steam, resulting in a nice browning and better texture. If you haven’t already, peel and devein the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for presentation if desired.
4. Make the Lemon-Garlic Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. This simple marinade is the flavor base of the dish, infusing the shrimp and vegetables with bright, zesty, and savory notes.
5. Toss Shrimp and Vegetables with Marinade: Add the shrimp, asparagus, and red bell pepper to the bowl with the lemon-garlic marinade. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to gently toss and coat everything. Make sure every piece is touched by the flavorful marinade.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the marinated shrimp and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the shrimp and vegetables to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets or cook in batches. Arranging them in a single layer allows for even cooking and browning.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink, opaque, and cooked through, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the thickness of your vegetables. Keep a close eye on the shrimp, as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. The asparagus should be tender-crisp and slightly browned.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately. The fresh parsley adds a final burst of freshness and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp!

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook just until they are pink, opaque, and slightly curled.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Arranging the shrimp and vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet is crucial for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before baking, taste the marinade and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, zest, and garlic are essential for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice or pre-minced garlic if possible.
• Preheat the Oven Properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before placing the baking sheet in the oven. A hot oven ensures proper roasting and browning.

Nutrition Facts

This Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp is not only delicious and easy but also a healthy meal choice. Shrimp is a lean protein source, and the dish is packed with vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on portion size, specific ingredients used, and cooking methods.)

Approximate Nutritional Information Per Serving (Estimates):

• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Cholesterol: 250-300 mg
• Sodium: 500-600 mg (Can vary depending on salt added)
• Vitamin C: 50-60% DV (Daily Value)
• Vitamin D: 10-15% DV
• Iron: 8-10% DV
• Calcium: 6-8% DV

Important Notes:

• These are estimated nutritional values and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
• The calorie count can increase if you serve this dish with sides like rice, pasta, or bread.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
• It is a good source of lean protein, healthy fats (from olive oil), and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and shrimp.

Preparation Time

One of the biggest appeals of this recipe is its speed and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes washing and chopping vegetables, peeling and deveining shrimp, zesting and juicing the lemon, and mixing the marinade.)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-32 minutes

From start to finish, you can have this delicious and healthy meal on the table in under 35 minutes! This makes it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or even a light and flavorful lunch. The minimal prep and fast cooking time mean you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

How to Serve

Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve it and make it a complete meal:

• Grains:
  • Quinoa: A healthy and protein-rich option that soaks up the flavorful juices from the shrimp and vegetables.
  • Brown Rice: A whole grain choice that provides fiber and a nutty flavor to complement the dish.
  • Couscous: Quick-cooking and light, couscous is a great option for a fast and easy side.
  • White Rice: Classic and simple, white rice is always a comforting and satisfying side.
  • Orzo Pasta: Small pasta like orzo or risoni works beautifully with the shrimp and vegetables, creating a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Bread:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta to soak up the delicious lemon-garlic sauce.
  • Garlic Bread: Enhance the garlicky flavors with a side of homemade or store-bought garlic bread.
• Salads:
  • Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the shrimp.
  • Mediterranean Salad: A salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb dressing will further enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
  • Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a balsamic glaze offer a classic and flavorful side.
• Vegetables:
  • Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add even more vegetables, serve with a side of roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots.
  • Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Simple steamed green vegetables add extra nutrients and a fresh element.
• Other Options:
  • Lemon Wedges: Serve extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra burst of citrus.
  • Aioli or Garlic Dip: A creamy garlic aioli or a simple garlic yogurt dip can be a delicious accompaniment for dipping the shrimp and vegetables.
  • Pasta: Toss the cooked shrimp and vegetables with your favorite pasta for a heartier meal. Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine would all work well.

Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions:

• Weeknight Dinner: Serve over quinoa or brown rice with a simple green salad for a quick, healthy, and complete meal.
• Weekend Lunch: Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping and a light Mediterranean salad for a relaxed and flavorful lunch.
• Dinner Party: Serve as part of a Mediterranean-themed dinner party alongside other appetizers and dishes. Present on a platter garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges for an elegant touch.
• Light and Healthy Meal: Serve on its own or with a very light side salad for a low-carb and calorie-conscious meal.

Additional Tips for Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp

To ensure your Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp is absolutely perfect every time, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Quality of Shrimp Matters: Use the best quality shrimp you can find. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but good quality frozen shrimp, properly thawed, can also work well. Look for shrimp that is firm, smells fresh (not fishy), and has a good color. Wild-caught shrimp is often considered more flavorful.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Lemon and Garlic: The bright, zesty lemon and savory garlic are the stars of this dish. Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant flavor. Freshly minced or pressed garlic will also provide a much better taste than pre-minced garlic in a jar. Generous amounts of both lemon and garlic are key to the recipe’s success.
3. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. While asparagus and red bell peppers are classic and delicious, you can easily adapt the recipe to use your favorite vegetables or what you have on hand. Broccoli, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, green beans, and sliced onions all work well. Consider roasting vegetables that have similar cooking times to shrimp to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
4. Marinate for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended): While this recipe is quick enough to skip marinating, allowing the shrimp and vegetables to marinate in the lemon-garlic mixture for 15-30 minutes (or even up to an hour in the refrigerator) will enhance the flavors even further. The marinade will penetrate the shrimp and vegetables, making them even more flavorful and tender. If marinating, be sure to not marinate for too long, especially with lemon juice, as the acidity can start to “cook” the shrimp and change its texture.
5. Watch the Cooking Time Closely: Shrimp cooks very quickly, and overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and unpleasant. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while it’s baking and remove the pan from the oven as soon as the shrimp is pink, opaque, and cooked through. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the shrimp and vegetables, so it’s always best to check for doneness rather than relying solely on time.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp to help you make this recipe with confidence:

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can place the frozen shrimp in a sealed zip-top bag and submerge it in a bowl of cold water for about 30-60 minutes, changing the water every 15 minutes. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before marinating and cooking.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp is best served fresh and hot right out of the oven, you can prepare some components ahead of time. You can chop the vegetables and make the lemon-garlic marinade earlier in the day and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply toss the shrimp and vegetables with the marinade and bake. Cooking the shrimp and vegetables ahead of time and reheating is not recommended as the shrimp can become rubbery and the vegetables can become mushy.

Q3: What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?

A: This recipe is very versatile, and you can add a wide variety of vegetables. Good options include broccoli florets, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, green beans, snap peas, sliced onions, and bell peppers of different colors. Consider the cooking time of the vegetables you choose. Denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots may need to be par-boiled or roasted for longer before adding the shrimp.

Q4: How do I store leftovers and how long will they last?

A: Store leftover Garlicky One-Pan Lemon Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a microwave. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp, as they can become dry and rubbery when reheated. It’s best to consume leftovers within a couple of days for optimal quality and flavor.

Q5: Can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

A: Yes, absolutely! The red pepper flakes are optional, so if you prefer a milder dish, simply omit them. If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who like to add extra spice to their meal. Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and taste the marinade before adding more to ensure it’s to your liking.

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