Savory Shrimp with Fresh Herbs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about freshness and simplicity. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it’s a go-to option when you want something fast, healthy, and delicious. The fresh herbs bring brightness, the garlic adds depth, and the shrimp cook in minutes, resulting in a dish that feels both refined and effortless. Serve it with rice, pasta, crusty bread, or over a salad for a versatile meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• Olive oil or unsalted butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, basil, chives, or tarragon)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
6. Immediately toss in the fresh herbs and, if desired, sprinkle with lemon zest or red pepper flakes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is 5–7 minutes. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Variations

• Garlic herb butter: Use butter and add extra garlic for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
• Add white wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the shrimp for extra depth.
• Toss with pasta: Combine the shrimp and herb mixture with cooked pasta and a bit of reserved pasta water.
• Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Citrus twist: Use orange or lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
• Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini at the end of cooking for a heartier dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. The shrimp can also be served cold over salads or grain bowls for a refreshing meal.

FAQs

What herbs work best with shrimp?

Parsley, dill, chives, basil, and tarragon pair especially well with shrimp. Use a mix or your favorite combination.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Should I use butter or olive oil?

Either works well—use olive oil for a lighter dish, or butter for a richer, more savory flavor.

How do I keep shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook them just until pink and opaque. Overcooking causes them to become tough.

Can I make this dish in advance?

It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated the next day.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Yes! Marinate with oil, herbs, and garlic, then grill for 1–2 minutes per side.

What should I serve with this shrimp?

Try rice, couscous, pasta, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, simply use olive oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free version.

Is this dish low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for keto and paleo diets.

Conclusion

Savory Shrimp with Fresh Herbs is a vibrant, quick-cooking dish that makes the most of simple, high-quality ingredients. With its tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s a dish that feels gourmet but comes together in minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a quick dinner or a special gathering, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Savory Shrimp with Fresh Herbs

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Savory Shrimp with Fresh Herbs is a quick and elegant dish made with sautéed shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, and a medley of fresh herbs. Light, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

1. 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
2. 1–2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
3. 3 garlic cloves, minced
4. 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
5. 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, basil, chives, or tarragon)
6. 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
7. 1/4 tsp black pepper
8. 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
9. 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
10. Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
5. Immediately toss in fresh herbs and, if using, sprinkle with lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs and lemon wedges.

Notes

• Use a mix of fresh herbs for layered flavor or stick with your favorite.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they only need a couple minutes per side.
• This dish is great served with pasta, rice, or on top of a salad.
• Add white wine after cooking shrimp for a simple pan sauce.
• Leftovers are delicious served cold in wraps or grain bowls.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 180mg