Description
This vibrant Saucy Lemon Herb Shrimp recipe combines succulent shrimp cooked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce with a fresh and fruity strawberry-basil salsa. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a bright and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or quick dinner, served over your choice of cooked rice or grain.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Strawberry-Basil Salsa
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
To Serve
- 2 cups cooked rice or grain of choice
- Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh basil, honey or maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Stir gently to combine and set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you cook the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and develop a slight golden sear.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir constantly until the butter has melted and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and basil, tossing the shrimp gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the cooked shrimp and sauce over cooked rice or your preferred grain. Top with the fresh strawberry-basil salsa. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the salsa.
- Substitute the rice with quinoa or couscous for a different grain base.
- To keep it dairy-free, substitute butter with additional olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry to ensure they sear properly and develop a nice crust.
