Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe with Quick and Flavorful Cooking Tips

Why You’ll Love This Pan Seared Shrimp

Quick, tasty, and packed with protein, this Pan Seared Shrimp recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a simple dinner that feels special. The high-heat sear locks in the seafood flavor and creates a light golden crust while keeping the inside tender. With just a few pantry seasonings and a squeeze of lemon, you get a flavorful shrimp dish in about 15 minutes from start to finish.

My blog shares my passion for cooking by offering a variety of recipes that are simple and accessible to everyone. My ambition is to inspire readers to try new flavors, cook with joy, and create memorable moments around the table. This Pan Seared Shrimp recipe fits that mission: it is approachable for beginner cooks, fast enough for busy parents and working professionals, and flexible for diet-conscious eaters.

• Primary keyword: Pan Seared Shrimp appears naturally in the recipe and headings.
• Great for low-carb and gluten-free plans when you skip sauces that contain gluten.
• Ready in about 15 minutes, making it ideal for students and newlyweds who want quick, impressive meals.

Simple technique. Big flavor. This is the recipe you will keep coming back to when you want shrimp cooked just right.

Essential Ingredients for Pan Seared Shrimp

This section includes both the main ingredient ideas and the exact recipe ingredients used in the Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe below. Read the short notes, then find the precise ingredient list for the recipe that follows.

Main Ingredients – quick notes

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined shrimp cooks fast and takes seasoning well.
• Oil or butter: choose olive oil for a lighter flavor or butter for richness.
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, and a touch of crushed red pepper for heat.
• Lemon: fresh lemon juice brightens the finished dish.

Exact Recipe Ingredients

The ingredients below are formatted as a structured list with each quantity shown before the ingredient name for easy shopping and prep.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 1/2 pounds (about 680 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe – Simple Directions

Follow these clear steps for a perfectly seared shrimp. This recipe yields a bright, slightly spicy shrimp that pairs well with rice, salad, pasta, or crusty bread.

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
2. Toss shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the olive oil or butter and allow it to shimmer.
4. Place half of the shrimp in a single layer without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and develops a golden crust.
5. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until opaque and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
6. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining oil or butter and shrimp.
7. After cooking the second batch, return the first batch to the skillet. Remove from heat, squeeze 1 tablespoon lemon juice over all shrimp, and toss to coat.
8. Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve with lemon wedges.

Total Time: 15 minutes (5 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook)

How to Prepare the Perfect Pan Seared Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide

The basic recipe above is quick, but a few technique points make the final dish noticeably better. Below is a step-by-step guide with subheadings for clarity.

First Step – Clean and Dry

Rinse shrimp under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sears instead of steaming, which helps the golden crust form quickly.

Second Step – Season and Oil

Toss shrimp with the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. If you like garlic, add minced garlic in the final minute of cooking for a burst of aroma.

Third Step – Heat the Pan

Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Cast iron works well because it holds heat and helps build an even crust. Add half the olive oil or butter and let it shimmer before adding shrimp.

Fourth Step – Sear in Batches

Place shrimp in a single layer and do not overcrowd. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Work in two batches to keep contact with the hot pan and get an even sear.

Finishing Touch

After both batches are cooked, return the first batch to the skillet, remove from heat, squeeze 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the shrimp, and toss. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pan Seared Shrimp

This recipe is flexible. Here are simple swaps for common dietary needs and flavor changes you might want to try.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Vegan: Use plant-based shrimp substitutes made from konjac or soy protein to mimic texture.
• Shellfish allergy: Sear scallops or firm fish fillets instead for a similar texture and flavor note.
• Low-fat: Use less oil or choose a light cooking spray and smaller shrimp.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Swap garlic for ginger or shallots for a different savory profile.
• Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
• Add seasonal vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers in the pan during the last minute or serve alongside.
• Adjust chili flakes, paprika, or fresh herbs to change heat and freshness levels.

Mastering Pan Seared Shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you have the basic method down, try these tips and flavor ideas to keep this dish interesting for repeated meals.

Pro Cooking Techniques

• Use a cast iron skillet for steady, even heat and a better crust.
• Preheat the pan long enough so the oil shimmers but does not smoke.
• Do not move the shrimp until they release naturally from the pan to protect the crust.

Flavor Variations

• Cajun spice blend for a bold, smoky profile.
• Lemon zest and chopped basil for a bright, Mediterranean note.
• Chili powder, cumin, and onion powder for a warm, slightly smoky twist.

Presentation Tips

• Plate shrimp over rice, pasta, or a bed of mixed greens.
• Garnish with parsley, microgreens, and lemon wedges for color and brightness.

Make-Ahead Options

• Marinate shrimp up to 30 minutes before cooking. Avoid longer or salt will draw out moisture.
• Prepare the spice mix in advance and store in an airtight jar for quick weeknight use.

How to Store Pan Seared Shrimp: Best Practices

Storing cooked shrimp correctly keeps it safe and tasty for easy meals later in the week.

Meal prep tip: Portion cooked shrimp into single-meal containers with sides to make weekly lunches or dinners easy to grab.

Pan Seared Shrimp Nutrition Facts

Below is the nutritional information for a 6 oz serving of the prepared shrimp. Use this when tracking calories or planning balanced meals.

For more insight into shrimp’s health benefits, check this resource: + $(‘AI Agent’).item.json.output.Anchor1 +.

Tips for a Better Sear – Quick Reminders

• Use olive oil for a lighter flavor or butter for a richer finish.
• Cook shrimp in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.
• Do not move shrimp while searing; let a crust form for 1 to 2 minutes before flipping.
• Add minced garlic in the final minute for extra flavor without burning it.
• Lemon juice can be swapped for lime juice for a citrus twist.
• Customize spices – try chili powder, cumin, onion powder, or dried herbs to match your mood.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pan Seared Shrimp

Pan Seared Shrimp

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Pescatarian, gluten-free

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Description

🍤 Enjoy a quick and flavorful dish that brings tender, juicy shrimp to your plate in just 15 minutes.
🍋 This Pan Seared Shrimp recipe offers a refreshing citrus finish and simple ingredients perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

1 1/2 pounds (about 680 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

lemon wedges for serving

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1-First Step – Clean and Dry: Rinse shrimp under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sears instead of steaming, which helps the golden crust form quickly.

2-Second Step – Season and Oil: Toss shrimp with the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. If you like garlic, add minced garlic in the final minute of cooking for a burst of aroma.

3-Third Step – Heat the Pan: Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Cast iron works well because it holds heat and helps build an even crust. Add half the olive oil or butter and let it shimmer before adding shrimp.

4-Fourth Step – Sear in Batches: Place shrimp in a single layer and do not overcrowd. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Work in two batches to keep contact with the hot pan and get an even sear.

5-Finishing Touch: After both batches are cooked, return the first batch to the skillet, remove from heat, squeeze 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the shrimp, and toss. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

🦐 Use olive oil for a lighter flavor or butter for a richer, more indulgent taste.
🔥 Cook shrimp in batches to prevent overcrowding, which helps achieve a perfect sear.
🍽️ Avoid moving shrimp during cooking to allow a flavorful brown crust to develop.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 oz cooked shrimp
• Calories: 153
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Sodium: 1033mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 214.5mg

Keywords: Pan Seared Shrimp, Quick Cooking, Flavorful Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Recipe