Pan Seared Shrimp

This healthy and easy Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe is delicious and ready in just 10 minutes! Use this shrimp in tacos, bowls, or salads.

About the Recipe

Season the juicy shrimp with a combination of garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper flakes for the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Served with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, these delicious shrimp get a hint of citrusy tang that you will love!

Serve this easy recipe when you are hosting a dinner party or simply just want to treat yourself to a flavorful and delicious meal. This is one that will surely impress and satisfy everyone! 

You can use the cooked shrimp in a main dish for bowls, salads, or in tacos! 

If you are looking for more easy shrimp recipes, check out our: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, Easy Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Coconut Rice, Blackened Shrimp Bowls, Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta, or Lemon Pepper Shrimp.

Jump to:

• About the Recipe
• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Kitchen Equipment
• Recipe Substitutions/Variations
• What To Serve With
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Storage and Reheating
• Other Recipes to Try
• Pan Seared Shrimp

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Delicious - When you pan sear this shrimp, you get a beautiful caramelized crust that locks in the juices and creates a burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder and red pepper flakes help to enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Simple - This recipe is not only easy to make, but it is quick too! This is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal effort without skimping on flavor. As a bonus, all the ingredients are super easy to find at the grocery store!

Versatile - These shrimp can be served as an appetizer, main course, or can be added to salads, pasta dishes, or in a stir-fry. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy shrimp recipe: 

• Raw Shrimp - Use 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. I love using jumbo shrimp!
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt & black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Olive oil
• Lemon wedges

Directions

Let's make this quick meal together! 

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Stir well to combine.

Step 2: Add the shrimp to the bowl and stir well to coat.

Step 3: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet and cook for a few minutes per side, or until the shrimp has a nice sear. Small shrimp will take 1-2 minutes per side and larger shrimp will take a few minutes longer. Cook the shrimp until it's no longer opaque.

Step 4: Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some expert tips to make this great recipe: 

Use fresh shrimp - For the best results, choose fresh, high-quality shrimp. You will want to look for firm with translucent flesh and a slight sea-like scent. Be sure to avoid shrimp that has a strong ammonia smell or signs of discoloration.

Don’t overcrowd the pan - Use a pan that is large enough that the shrimp can sear in an even layer. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and can prevent them from getting that delicious sear on them. Cook in batches, if needed.

​Pat Shrimp Dry - Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to help get the best sear.

Kitchen Equipment

Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this easy pan seared shrimp recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

Large skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet with enough room for the shrimp to cook without touching. You can use a non-stick skillet or a cast iron skillet in this recipe.

Serving Plate - These serving plates are perfect for serving this shrimp. They're also great for pasta, salads, or rice bowls!

Recipe Substitutions/Variations

Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this quick sautéed shrimp recipe:

Fresh Herbs - Garnish with herbs like fresh parsley or fresh cilantro. 

Oil - Substitute the olive oil for another oil that has a high smoke point like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.

Seasoning - You can add any other seasonings like Italian seasoning.

What To Serve With

Here are some recipes to serve alongside the best shrimp:

Baked Italian Mac and Cheese - This cheesy, delicious recipe is a great option for an easy weeknight meal for the whole family. This one is also going to be a hit for entertaining, because who doesn’t love Mac and cheese?!

Pesto Orzo - This recipe has deliciously chewy orzo, flavorful pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes. This is a great weeknight recipe because it is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of main course dishes.

Greek Cucumber Salad - Packed with crisp mini cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, this delightful salad is one you will want to make right away! There is a generous amount of fresh dill and lemon juice, bringing refreshing flavors to every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Storage and Reheating

Here are storage and reheating instructions for this simple recipe..

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftover shrimp within 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.

Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.

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