Pan Fried Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish that brings the ocean straight to your table! Juicy shrimp are seasoned and cooked until they’re golden and delicious.
It’s so easy to whip up that you’ll wonder why you don’t make it every night! I love serving mine with a side of rice or salad—perfect for impressing friends! 🦐✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for the best texture. If you’re allergic or prefer a different protein, you can substitute with scallops or even chicken breast cut into small pieces.
Olive Oil or Butter: I love using a mix of both for flavor! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, stick with olive oil or avocado oil, which has a high smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity to about 1/2 teaspoon, as it’s more concentrated.
Paprika: Sweet paprika works perfectly here, but feel free to swap it with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. If you’d like heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can be added instead.
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp is quick, so keep a close eye during this step. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start with a hot skillet; this helps develop a nice crust. The oil should shimmer.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This prevents steaming.
- Cook just until they’re opaque and firm. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
Following these tips will give you tender and flavorful shrimp every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Pan Fried Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 5 minutes preparing the shrimp and 5-10 minutes cooking them. This quick dish is great for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
First, rinse the shrimp under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This will ensure a nice sear when cooking.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, add the shrimp along with paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Toss everything together so that the shrimp are nicely coated.
3. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until it’s hot. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil begins to shimmer.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be cautious not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, which helps form a beautiful golden crust.
6. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the shrimp over and cook for another 2 minutes or until they turn opaque and are fully cooked through. They should be pink and curled slightly.
7. Add Freshness:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Drizzle and Toss:
Finish by drizzling some lemon juice over the shrimp and tossing them lightly to combine all the flavors.
9. Serve It Up!
Enjoy your pan fried shrimp immediately! You can serve them alongside rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if you like.
Enjoy your delicious, quick, and flavorful pan fried shrimp! 🍤
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry afterward to prevent excess moisture when cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Paprika?
If you don’t have paprika, you can substitute it with smoked paprika for a unique flavor, or use chili powder for a bit of heat. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference—start with a little and add more as desired!
How Do I Store Leftover Pan Fried Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of water to help prevent drying out.
What Should I Serve with Pan Fried Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. If you want a lighter option, consider serving the shrimp over zucchini noodles or with roasted vegetables for a healthy twist!