Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like you’ve pulled off a magic trick. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed with fragrant garlic, smoky paprika, and just a handful of fresh ingredients to create a dish that delivers enormous flavor in under 20 minutes. It’s bright, bold, and guaranteed to make you daydream about your next meal before you’ve even finished your last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: You can have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy nights or spontaneous cravings.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: The blend of garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley means every bite bursts with vibrant, layered flavor—no fussy steps needed.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos, or enjoy as is; Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp always wins over guests of all ages.
- Light and Healthy: With lean protein and a hit of veggies, it’s a fresh, feel-good meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, quality ingredients are key to the magic of Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp. Each one has a starring role—bringing its own unique flavor and texture to create a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Go for large or extra-large for juicy, tender results—they cook fast and absorb the savory flavors beautifully.
- Garlic (4 large cloves, 2 chopped, 2 thinly sliced): Chopping and slicing lets some garlic infuse deeply while the rest delivers a golden, toasty top note.
- Hot Smoked Spanish Paprika (1 teaspoon): Smoky, subtly spicy paprika adds depth and lovely color—don’t skip it for that signature Spanish flair.
- Pure Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): This helps carry all the flavors and gives the shrimp a gorgeous sheen. Pure (not extra-virgin) is best for sautéing.
- Freshly Chopped Parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds freshness and a pop of color to brighten up every bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 handful, halved): Bursting, juicy tomatoes lend natural sweetness and a little acidity to balance the richness.
- Coarse Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all those lovely flavors together.
- Rice Pilaf (for serving): Fluffy, aromatic rice pilaf is the perfect base to catch every drop of the savory pan juices.
Variations
This Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp recipe is delicious exactly as written, but it’s also easy to adjust for your own cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand at home. Get creative and make it your own!
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Amp up the heat by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the paprika.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a little lemon zest for a zippy, sunny twist.
- Herb Swap: If you’re out of parsley, swap in fresh cilantro, basil, or chives—each lends its own fresh note.
- Pasta Night: Toss the shrimp and all their pan juices with your favorite cooked pasta for a speedy shrimp scampi vibe.
How to Make Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with the chopped garlic and hot smoked Spanish paprika. Add a sprinkle of coarse salt and fresh black pepper. This quick marinade layers in tons of flavor and ensures every shrimp is seasoned to perfection before hitting the pan.
Step 2: Toast the Garlic
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook until it just turns golden and fragrant—about 30 seconds. Keep a close eye on it, as garlic can go from perfect to burnt in a flash, and you want all that nutty aroma!
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté quickly, just until they turn firm and white—usually only 1 to 2 minutes per side. Overcooking is the enemy here, so pull them off as soon as they’re opaque and juicy.
Step 4: Finish with Herbs and Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped parsley and halved cherry tomatoes. The herbs add a garden-fresh lift, while the tomatoes warm through, releasing their sweet-tart juices. Give everything a taste, adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then serve immediately while the flavors are at their brightest.
Pro Tips for Making Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp
- The Garlic League: Slice some cloves and chop others—using both techniques gives you layers of flavor, from mellow to sharp, in every bite.
- Paprika Power: Seek out high-quality Spanish smoked paprika for that unbeatable earthy-sweet aroma—it’s the secret weapon for “wow” factor.
- Hot Pan Happiness: Make sure your skillet is fully preheated so the shrimp sear quickly, locking in their juices and preventing any rubbery texture.
- Prep Before You Start: Because this recipe moves lightning-fast, have all your ingredients chopped and ready before the oil hits the pan. You’ll thank yourself!
How to Serve Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
A fresh shower of parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to sprinkle on some extra flaky sea salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a dusting of more smoked paprika before serving. These finishing touches add both color and zing, making your Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This garlicky shrimp shines atop fluffy rice pilaf (as suggested), soaked up with crusty bread, or paired with simple steamed veggies. For a more substantial meal, try serving alongside buttered noodles, creamy polenta, or a peppery arugula salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp into tapas by serving it in small earthenware dishes with toothpicks, or pile it into warm tortillas with a slaw for five-star shrimp tacos. You can even spoon it over toasted baguette slices for a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cool the shrimp completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping in mind that shrimp are always best enjoyed as fresh as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. For best quality, freeze them with a bit of the pan sauce to keep them tender when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil. Take care not to overcook, as shrimp can toughen quickly. They’re also delicious eaten cold atop salads!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking, so you get the best sear and flavor absorption. Frozen shrimp are super convenient and work beautifully in this recipe.
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What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you can’t find hot smoked Spanish paprika, use regular smoked paprika or even sweet paprika plus a pinch of cayenne for some heat. The smokiness is what really amps up the flavor.
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Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a gentle warmth from the paprika, but it’s not truly spicy. If you love more heat, add a bit of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the shrimp as they cook.
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Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! Just make sure not to crowd the pan—cook the shrimp in batches if needed so they sear instead of steam. Everything else stays the same, and your guests will love having seconds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s fast, flavor-packed, and guaranteed to wow, give Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp a try. There’s nothing better than a dish that brings the taste of your favorite tapas bar into your very own kitchen—especially when it takes barely any time at all. Enjoy every garlicky, juicy bite!
Print
Quick and Easy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A quick and easy garlic shrimp recipe that is bursting with flavor. Succulent shrimp cooked with garlic, paprika, fresh herbs, and cherry tomatoes, served with rice pilaf. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
- 4 large garlic cloves (2 chopped and 2 thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- 1 handful cherry tomatoes, halved
- Rice pilaf, for serving
- Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp, chopped garlic, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden, about 30 seconds.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until firm and white, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Add chopped herbs and cherry tomatoes to the skillet; stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 270mg
