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Ingredients
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Garlic Shrimp
Optional Accompaniments
Method
Garlic Shrimp
Prepare shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place shrimp in a bowl and season with kosher salt, black pepper and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly and set aside for 5 minutes to come to room temperature.
Cook shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When butter is melted and the pan is hot (but not smoking), add shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd—cook in batches if needed. Cook shrimp 1.5–2 minutes on the first side without moving them until edges turn pink and opaque. Flip each shrimp and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the minced garlic to the pan.
Finish with garlic and lemon
Continue cooking shrimp for another 1–2 minutes, stirring the garlic briefly to avoid burning—garlic should become fragrant and just start to turn golden. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, then toss shrimp in the pan to coat with the butter-garlic sauce. Sprinkle red pepper flakes and chopped parsley, stir to combine, and remove pan from heat.
Taste and adjust
Taste one shrimp and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste. If desired, spoon pan juices over shrimp and let rest 1–2 minutes for flavors to marry.
Optional Accompaniments
If serving with bread: warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or toast; brush with butter if desired. If serving with rice or pasta: cook according to package directions and divide among plates. Plate shrimp over rice/pasta or alongside bread and spoon remaining garlic-butter sauce over top.