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Fresh Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe with Crisp Snap Peas

fresh lemon garlic shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy shrimp dish sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with fresh lemon and crisp sugar snap peas, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim snap peas by snapping off the stem end and removing any strings. Mince garlic finely, zest the lemon, then juice it. Set aside.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the olive oil. Let the butter melt completely, swirling the pan to combine.
  3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook about 2 minutes on one side until it starts turning pink and slightly golden. Flip shrimp and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through.
  5. Toss in the snap peas and lemon zest. Stir to combine and cook until peas are bright green and crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
  6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy, coating the shrimp and peas.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and give a quick final stir. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to ensure proper searing. Keep pan at medium heat to avoid burning garlic. Add snap peas towards the end to maintain their crispness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Frozen shrimp must be fully thawed and patted dry. Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp recipe, lemon garlic shrimp, snap peas, quick dinner, easy seafood, weeknight meal, healthy shrimp, buttery garlic sauce