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Easy Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe
View more Seafood Recipes
Prep Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Yield
Makes 1 pound of shrimp
When you’re feeling shrimp, don’t have much time and just want a basic but tasty recipe, our easy pan-seared shrimp recipe has you covered!
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be accessible and straightforward, ensuring that your shrimp will be perfectly cooked to serve as an entrée on their own, as part of your favorite recipe that needs cooked shrimp, or along with one of our Leahy’s Angus Steaks!
Seasoned with a blend of garlic, paprika, and a hint of lemon, these shrimp are a perfect balance of savory and zesty flavors without being overly powerful. The recipe includes step-by-step instructions that are clear and easy to follow, making your cooking process as smooth as possible.
We’re going to answer a few questions you may have and then get to the ingredients and directions to make our easy pan seared shrimp. If you just want to get cooking, scroll on down to the ingredients and cook away!
What type of shrimp can I use for these easy pan seared shrimp?
You can use any raw, defrosted shrimp that you have available to you. If you have frozen shrimp like we carry at LGCM, you can easily defrost shrimp by leaving them overnight in a refrigerator, or by placing them in a colander and running them under cool water for approximately 30 minutes.
This recipe will work for any size shrimp, although smaller shrimp will cook faster than larger shrimp, so keep an eye on the color of the shrimp as they cook to make sure you don’t overcook them!
We recommend any shrimp you use should be peeled & deveined before you cook them. Most people prefer the texture and flavor of peeled & deveined shrimp. You can purchase peeled & deveined shrimp, or if your shrimp isn’t already peeled & deveined, you can watch this video to see how to do it yourself!
One last note from us: for this recipe, you can use either tail-on or tail-off shrimp; that is up to your personal preference!
What can I use these easy pan seared shrimp for?
The balanced but delicious flavor of these shrimp make for a delicious and nutritious entrée. Try pairing the shrimp with a rice pilaf or other flavored rice, steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus, or even a garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the shrimp.
These shrimp are also perfect to include in any recipe that needs cooked shrimp like:
- Pasta with Shrimp
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Shrimp Jambalaya
- Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp Salad
Do you have suggestions on how I could add more flavor to this recipe?
For those of you who love to experiment with bolder flavors, our easy pan seared shrimp recipe is a great starting point to use. Simply pick your own seasonings and then follow the cooking method to enjoy your bolder shrimp. Here are five flavor suggestions that would taste great!
- Cajun Style: If you’re a fan of Southern flavors, a Cajun seasoning blend is a fantastic choice. It brings a lively mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and a bit of black pepper. This blend adds a wonderful depth and a little heat to the shrimp, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy touch.
- Citrus and Herb: For a zesty and refreshing twist, try seasoning your shrimp with lemon zest, chopped fresh dill, and a bit of minced garlic. This combination is light yet flavorful, offering a bright contrast to the richness of the shrimp. It’s especially delightful in the summer months!
- Smoky Chipotle: Chipotle powder, mixed with a bit of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a squeeze of lime juice, can give your shrimp a smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor. It’s a bold choice that’s sure to impress those who love a mix of sweet and heat.
- Mediterranean Charm: After cooking your shrimp, toss them in a mix of freshly chopped basil, oregano, and rosemary. This herb blend, combined with a splash of olive oil and lemon juice, complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp beautifully. Feel free to add a twist of red pepper flakes for a bit of punch!
- Asian-Inspired: For an Asian twist, try marinating your shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, minced ginger, garlic, and a dash of sesame oil. This creates a savory, umami-rich flavor that is incredible!
We hope we have answered any questions you may have about this recipe. If not, leave us a comment below, and we’ll do our best to help you out!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Raw Shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- Lemon (cut into wedges for serving – if desired)
- Parsley (fresh and chopped for garnish – if desired)
Directions
Mix the olive oil, garlic powder, ground paprika, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Add the shrimp and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Be careful to not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if neccessary.
Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. The shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your pan seared shrimp on their own as either an appetizer or entrée or incorporate into any recipe that needs cooked shrimp!
