Name: Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat (optional)

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy shrimp are cooked with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives, then finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley for a bright, zesty touch.

A white square plate filled with a single layer of large shrimp, cooked to a golden orange with seared marks, sitting in a bright yellow garlic butter sauce speckled with black pepper and finely chopped green herbs. The shrimp are closely packed, each showing its orange tail and glistening from the sauce that pools slightly at the bottom of the plate. The green herbs sprinkle evenly across the shrimp, adding a fresh contrast to the rich colors. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add the fresh shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 3: Toss in the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, stirring gently to combine with the shrimp.
Step 4: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 5: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of freshness.
Step 7: Serve the Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet with Lemon Garlic Sauce hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when cooking the shrimp.
Substitute Kalamata olives with green olives for a milder flavor.
Add a handful of spinach or arugula at the end for a boost of greens.
Serve over cooked couscous, pasta, or rice to make it a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp, or microwave briefly until warmed through.

How to Serve

The image shows a white square plate filled with cooked shrimp that have a golden-brown sear on their edges. The shrimp are arranged in a slightly overlapping pile, coated in a yellowish garlic butter sauce with visible small bits of minced garlic and a sprinkle of fresh green parsley. The shrimp tails are bright orange, contrasting with the clearer whitish flesh. The sauce pools slightly at the bottom, with herbs and black pepper evenly decorating the shrimp, giving a juicy and seasoned look. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the skillet while cooking the shrimp for an added kick.