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Garlic & Shrimp Sauce

This dish features shrimp cooked in a slowly caramelized garlic sauce, highlighting the transformation of garlic from sharp to sweet and nutty. The process involves gentle sautéing, precise timing, and quick cooking to achieve tender shrimp and fragrant, golden garlic with a rich, delicate sauce. The final dish is vibrant, with pink shrimp coated in aromatic, slightly thickened garlic sauce, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon white wine or chicken broth optional
  • to taste salt and pepper adjust to preference
  • pinch red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Deep skillet or frying pan
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat a deep skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm gently until shimmering and fragrant.
  2. Add the finely minced garlic to the oil, stirring constantly. Cook slowly until the garlic turns a golden color and releases a sweet, toasty aroma—about 2-3 minutes. Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning.
  3. Increase the heat slightly to medium and carefully add the peeled shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes per side, watching them turn bright pink and firm up, indicating they're just cooked through.
  4. Once the shrimp are pink and opaque, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Let it warm for about 30 seconds, enhancing the bright citrus flavor.
  5. If using, pour in the white wine or chicken broth, then give everything a gentle stir. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute, letting the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thicken.
  6. Taste the sauce and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Adjust seasoning to your preference, then turn off the heat.
  7. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, grassy brightness and give the dish a final gentle stir.
  8. Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish, allowing the aromatic garlic and vibrant pink shrimp to shine. Serve immediately with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.

Notes

For best flavor, cook the garlic slowly and keep a close eye to prevent burning. Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Serve immediately for optimal aroma and texture.