Shrimp Appetizer Recipe

I absolutely love this shrimp recipe because it’s quick, fresh, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Plus, the combination of garlic, lemon, and a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes makes every bite a little bit of heaven on a plate.

There is nothing I enjoy more than crafting really flavorful starters, and shrimp dishes are among my favorites for this purpose. Juicy shrimp, tossed in olive oil, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, are nothing short of refreshing and downright satisfying.

If you’re looking for something to really kick it up a notch, though, you might want to consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. And don’t forget to garnish with freshly snipped parsley—a shrimp cocktail’s best friend.

Ingredients

Prawns: They are high in protein, low in calories, and a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins like B12.

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that are good for your heart, as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Garlic contains a wealth of antioxidants, bolstering its long-established status as an immune-supportive food.

Moreover, garlic has been shown to potentially lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

Lemon juice gives a vitamin C punch, a sharp flavor, and assists in digestion.

Red pepper flakes that have been crushed: Add spice and heat, increase metabolism, and contain the compound capsaicin.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Wash the shrimp in cold water, then dry them thoroughly with paper towels.

2. In a large skillet, medium heat the olive oil.

3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant; be careful not to burn it.

4. Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, or until they start to turn pink.

5. Turn the shrimp and introduce lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the skillet.

6. Continue cooking the shrimp for 2-3 minutes more, or until they are fully cooked and opaque all the way through.

7. Remove the shrimp from the heat and immediately toss with a good amount of fresh, chopped parsley. Stir gently yet thoroughly so the shrimp are evenly coated.

8. Move the shrimp to a serving plate, ensuring that any pan juices are drizzled over the shrimp.

9. Lemon wedges around the shrimp on the platter make a nice garnish.

10. The shrimp appetizer is to be served warm, with the option of fresh lemon juice to be applied directly by the guests.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander
2. Paper towels
3. Large skillet
4. Spatula or wooden spoon
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Serving plate or platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?Q: Are frozen shrimp ready to cook, or do they need to be thawed before cooking?

  A: Yes, they are ready to cook, but you have to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

• Q: How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?Overcooking should be avoided; shrimp typically require only 2-3 minutes on each side to become pink and opaque.
• Q: Can I substitute dried parsley for fresh parsley?Q: Is it acceptable to use fresh herbs in place of dried herbs?

  A: Yes, but use half the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated.

• Q: Is there a way to make this appetizer spicier?Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for additional heat.
• Q: Can I add other ingredients to this appetizer?A: Sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes can be added for additional color and flavor.
• Q: How far in advance can I prepare this dish?You can soak the shrimp in the marinade a few hours in advance, but for the best texture, cook them immediately before you serve.

Substitutions and Variations

For a different flavor profile, substitute avocado oil or melted coconut oil for olive oil.
If fresh garlic is not on hand, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Lime juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute; it will yield a slightly different flavor profile since both fruits have unique characteristics.
Red pepper flakes, crushed: Substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or leave out for a milder dish.

Pro Tips

1. Infuse Extra Flavor Before adding the shrimp, you can add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the olive oil while it heats. This will infuse the oil with a subtle herbal aroma, complementing the garlic and shrimp.

2. Enhanced Marinade For more flavor, marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes prior to cooking. Mix them with the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Doing this cold helps integrate the flavors better.

3. Perfect Sear Ensure the skillet is well-heated before adding the shrimp so they sear properly rather than stewing. A high initial temperature helps create a slight crust on the shrimp, adding texture.

4. Herb Variations While fresh parsley is classic, you can experiment by introducing other herbs like dill or cilantro as a finishing touch for varied flavor profiles.

5. Controlled Cooking Cooking shrimp for too long can make them tough. To avoid overcooking, remove them from the heat as soon as they become opaque and pink with a slightly curled shape. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the pan.