What is the best oil or fat to use for pan searing shrimp?

The best option for pan searing shrimp is an oil with a high smoke point such as canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil. These oils can handle the high heat needed to develop a good sear without burning. Butter adds great flavor but has a lower smoke point, so it’s ideal to sear shrimp in oil first and then toss them with melted butter at the end of cooking for richness.

How do I get a crispy, golden crust on pan seared shrimp?

To get a crispy crust, start by thoroughly patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture. Heat your pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot before adding shrimp. Arrange shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan and don’t flip or move them for 1–2 minutes to allow browning. When the edges turn pink and the bottom is golden, flip to cook the other side briefly.

How long should I cook shrimp when pan searing to avoid overcooking?

Shrimp cook very quickly—usually 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on size. Cook until they turn pink and opaque with slightly firm texture. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch closely. Removing shrimp from heat as soon as they’re opaque ensures tender, juicy results.

Can I season shrimp before pan searing, and what flavors work best?

Yes, seasoning shrimp before cooking enhances flavor. Simple salt and pepper are a good base. Add garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, or Old Bay seasoning for extra taste. Marinating in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 15–30 minutes also works but avoid acidic marinades longer than an hour as they can affect texture.

What are common mistakes to avoid when pan searing shrimp?

Common mistakes include overcrowding the pan, which causes shrimp to steam instead of sear, leaving shrimp wet without drying them first, causing them to steam as well, and cooking at too low heat which prevents browning. Also, flipping shrimp too often interrupts the searing process—cook one side fully before turning.

Pan Seared Shrimp Recipe With Quick Seasoning Tips

Name: Pan Seared Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; – 1 ½ pounds (approximately 680 grams) peeled and deveined shrimp; – ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; – ¼ teaspoon black pepper; – ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; – 1 tablespoon lemon juice; – Lemon wedges for serving; – Optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Description

🍤 This Pan Seared Shrimp recipe delivers a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights.
🍋 Easy seasoning and fast cooking ensure tender, juicy shrimp with a delicious golden crust every time.

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

– 1 ½ pounds (approximately 680 grams) peeled and deveined shrimp

– ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

– ¼ teaspoon black pepper

– ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– Lemon wedges for serving

– Optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1-Preparation: Getting the perfect pan seared shrimp starts with simple steps that anyone can follow. Begin by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper for a flavorful base. This quick shrimp cooking method ensures a golden crust in just minutes.

2-Cooking: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add half of the olive oil or butter until it’s shimmering. Place half the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink and develop that ideal sear. Flip them and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they’re opaque and fully seared, then remove and repeat with the remaining oil and shrimp.

3-Finishing: Once all the shrimp are cooked, combine them in the pan and squeeze 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the top. Toss to coat evenly, then take the pan off the heat and transfer everything to a serving dish. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges if desired, and serve right away for the best flavor. For variations, try swapping lemon juice with lime juice or adding herbs like chives or dill to match your shrimp seasoning preferences.

Notes

🔥 Use olive oil for higher smoke point or butter for a richer flavor.
💧 Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear.
🍳 Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook shrimp in batches for best texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 ounces (170 grams) shrimp
Calories: 153
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 1033mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 214.5mg

Keywords: Pan Seared Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Recipe, Quick Shrimp Dinner, Lemon Shrimp