This Lemon Basil Shrimp is a bright and tasty dish that’s quick to make. Juicy shrimp are cooked with fresh basil and zesty lemon for a feast of flavors!
I love how this meal feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s super easy to whip up, and it looks fancy enough to impress your friends. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp give the best texture. If seafood isn’t your thing, consider using chicken or even tofu for a veggie option!
Basil: Fresh basil is a star in this dish. For substitution, try fresh parsley or even cilantro, though the flavor will change. Dried basil works in a pinch—just use about one-third the amount.
Zucchini: I love spiralized zucchini as a healthy noodle alternative. You can use other veggies like spaghetti squash or even regular pasta if you prefer something more comforting.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but feel free to use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available, just adjust the cooking time!
Broth: Vegetable broth is great, but chicken broth can deepen the flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, stick with the vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but it’s easier than it seems! The key is to keep an eye on them because they cook quickly. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Heat your skillet and oil until hot but not smoking before adding the garlic.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. They’re done when they curl but avoid cooking them too long or they will become rubbery.
- Once cooked, immediately remove them from the skillet to stop the cooking process. You can set them aside and add them back later!
Following these steps will keep your shrimp juicy and tender—a perfect match for the zesty lemon and fresh basil flavors!
How to Make Lemon Basil Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped (or 1 medium tomato, diced)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 medium zucchini, spiralized or thinly sliced into noodles
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 lemon (zested and sliced into rounds + 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner. Just gather your ingredients and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This will give the dish a delightful aroma!
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the chopped tomatoes. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they soften up. This adds a nice sweetness to the dish!
4. Adding the Zucchini Noodles:
Now, toss in the zucchini noodles. Cook them for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently so they don’t stick to the pan.
5. Mixing in Elevating Flavors:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the lemon juice and zest. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. This is where all those wonderful flavors come together!
6. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the chopped basil leaves. Gently stir everything together and cook for another minute, allowing all the flavors to meld and the shrimp to heat back up.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with extra fresh basil leaves, lemon slices, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an appealing look.
8. Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Lemon Basil Shrimp immediately! It goes perfectly with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta if you’re looking for something more filling. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely!
Can I Substitute Zucchini Noodles?
Yes, you can! If you’re not a fan of zucchini noodles, you can substitute them with traditional pasta, spaghetti squash, or even other spiralized vegetables like carrot or sweet potato. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Enjoy your meal again in no time!
What’s a Good Side to Serve with This Dish?
For a light meal, serve with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for something heartier, crusty bread, rice, or pasta complements the shrimp beautifully and helps soak up the delicious sauce!
