If you’re craving a vibrant dinner that comes together in a flash, this Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe belongs at the very top of your list! With a wildly aromatic, citrus-forward marinade coating plump, juicy shrimp, black pepper, and a touch of garlic, each bite bursts with flavor. This dish delivers a restaurant-worthy experience in barely 15 minutes, and you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up. Serve it over your favorite grain, toss it on a fresh salad, or let it shine as an appetizer—either way, it’s a weeknight hero you’ll turn to again and again.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, honest ingredients are what make the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe so special! Each one plays an important role—from lending brightness and punchy flavor, to adding that irresistible tenderness and a little heat.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are perfect—they cook fast and soak up all the flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the shrimp and delivers a rich, silky mouthfeel.
Lemon juice: Provides tang and a burst of citrus that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Lemon zest: Packs even deeper lemon flavor—zest right before using for maximum aromatic impact.
Freshly ground black pepper: The namesake seasoning offers a zesty bite that wakes up the whole dish.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus and seasoning the shrimp perfectly.
Garlic: Minced fresh for warmth and depth (it’s a must for shrimp lovers!).
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a pop of gentle heat, especially nice if you enjoy a little kick.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright pop of color and freshness for garnish.
Lemon wedges for serving: A final squeeze of lemon at the table, which wakes up all the flavors even more.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up a Lively Marinade

Start by whisking together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. This citrusy, fragrant marinade will coat the shrimp perfectly and infuse every bite with bold flavor.

Step 2: Toss and Marinate the Shrimp

Add your prepared shrimp to the bowl and toss everything to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for 10–15 minutes. While it’s not a long wait, this quick soak gives the shrimp enough time to absorb all that goodness—especially the tang of the lemon and the bite of the pepper.

Step 3: Sear to Juicy Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. When the pan is nice and hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t walk away—shrimp cook quickly! A golden edge and plump texture are what you’re after.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat, then shower the finished shrimp with chopped parsley and a few wedges of lemon. The fresh herbs and extra squeeze of lemon take the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe over the top. Serve it right away while it’s piping hot and juicy!

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your shrimp for a splash of color and a touch of herbal freshness. Don’t skimp on extra lemon wedges—let everyone spritz their shrimp tableside to taste. If you love a spicier finish, a final dusting of black pepper or a little extra red pepper flake is both pretty and tasty.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe pairs like a dream with so many sides. Try it over fluffy rice, buttery orzo, or linguine for a full-on comfort meal. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlicky sautéed spinach are gorgeous choices that keep things fresh and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning appetizer, thread the cooked shrimp onto skewers or serve in cocktail glasses with the marinade drizzled on top. Pile them onto crostini with a dollop of herbed yogurt, or toss over arugula for a gourmet salad. The Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe even works cold as a make-ahead picnic or brunch addition—versatility at its best!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the flavor actually settles nicely as they rest. Avoid letting the shrimp sit too long in the marinade, though, as citrus can make them tough over time.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe portions—spread shrimp on a baking sheet to cool, then transfer to freezer bags (removing air before sealing). Freeze for up to a month. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm your shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, just until heated through. A splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving helps revive the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as this can make your shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I grill the shrimp instead of searing them on the stove?

Absolutely! Thread the marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers or place them directly on a hot, oiled grill. Grill for about 2 minutes per side, or until just opaque. Grilling adds a delicious smoky note that takes the Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe to another level.

What kind of shrimp works best here?

Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal because they’re easy to handle and stay juicy. You can use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp—just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for ease and best texture.

Is this dish spicy?

The Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe is as spicy as you make it! The base recipe is mild, with just the pungency of black pepper, but if you like a kick, don’t hesitate to add those red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written, so it’s easy to enjoy as part of those diets without any substitutions. Just double-check any sides you might serve it with.

How do I keep shrimp from getting rubbery?

The secret is not to overcook them! Sauté or grill your shrimp just until they’re pink and opaque—usually only 2–3 minutes per side. Pull them from the heat the moment they’re ready for perfect tenderness every time.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to take all night or require a laundry list of ingredients. It’s bright, beautiful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’re just a handful of minutes away from your new favorite shrimp dish!

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Pepper Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course. The shrimp is marinated in a zesty mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, then quickly cooked to perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.