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Healthy Low Calorie Lemon Garlic Shrimp - Bright, Fresh, and Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large work best)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but adds great aroma)
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium chicken broth or water (to loosen the sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pat the shrimp dry. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture so they sear, not steam. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat your skillet. Heat a large nonstick or stainless skillet over medium-high. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer.
  3. Sear the shrimp. Arrange shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes until the underside turns pink and slightly golden.
  4. Flip and add flavor. Turn the shrimp, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir gently for 30 seconds so the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.
  5. Deglaze and brighten. Add the lemon juice and broth. Toss to coat and let the sauce bubble for 30–60 seconds. Add lemon zest.
  6. Finish and garnish. Turn off the heat as soon as the shrimp are opaque and curled into loose “C” shapes. Stir in parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Serve right away. Plate with extra lemon wedges. Great over steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a scoop of cauliflower rice.