Shrimp in garlic sauce has always been one of those meals I reach for when I want something fast, fresh, and fuss-free. This version is inspired by the Mediterranean diet — which means no butter, no heavy sauces, just good olive oil, fresh garlic, and juicy shrimp cooked in under 10 minutes.
If you’re someone who thinks healthy means boring, this dish might surprise you. The olive oil brings that rich, slightly nutty flavor, while the garlic does exactly what garlic always does — steals the show in the best way. Add a splash of lemon and some broth to bring it all together, and you’ve got a simple skillet dinner that feels both light and satisfying.
Why This Shrimp Recipe Works So Well
This isn’t a complicated meal — and that’s the beauty of it. Here’s why it’s one of my go-to’s:
- One pan, one idea: It all happens in a skillet and takes about 15–20 minutes.
- Mediterranean diet friendly: No butter or cream, just heart-healthy olive oil and fresh ingredients.
- Great with anything: Serve it with pasta, crusty bread, over rice, or next to roasted veggies.
- Naturally gluten-free and low carb: It fits into a lot of lifestyles without needing swaps.
- Flexible: Add spice, herbs, or even a handful of spinach toward the end.
This is the kind of weeknight recipe that feels like something you’d order at a little seaside café — but you made it at home in your old, trusted skillet.
What You’ll Need
Just a few pantry staples and fresh shrimp. That’s it.
- Olive Oil – Go with extra virgin if you can. It brings out a warm, nutty richness that plays so well with garlic.
- Garlic – Freshly minced. I go heavy with garlic here because… well, it’s garlic shrimp.
- Shrimp – I like using large or medium shrimp. Cleaned, peeled, and deveined. You can keep the tails on if you want that classic look.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and acidity. Just a splash changes the whole mood of the dish.
- Vegetable Broth – Helps create a light sauce. You can add more if you want something slightly more “saucy.”
- Seasonings – Salt and pepper, for sure. A pinch of Italian herbs or a dash of red pepper flakes if you want heat.
- Optional Toppings – Chopped green onion, parsley, or a tiny sprinkle of chili flakes to finish it off.
A Quick Note on Cleaning Shrimp
If you’re working with fresh or frozen shrimp, make sure to clean and devein them properly. If they’re frozen, run them under cool water to thaw. Pull off the shell (tails optional), make a small slit along the back, and use the tip of a knife to remove the vein. Rinse and pat dry. Not the most glamorous part, but totally worth it.
How I Make This Shrimp in Garlic Sauce
1. Warm the Olive Oil and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute — just enough for the aroma to hit. Don’t let it brown too much.
2. Add Shrimp, Lemon, and Seasonings
Toss in the shrimp along with lemon juice and your seasonings of choice. Stir everything together so the shrimp gets evenly coated.
3. Add Broth and Let It Cook
Pour in about ¼ cup of vegetable broth. Stir and turn the heat down to low. Let it simmer until the shrimp turns pink and opaque — usually 4 to 5 minutes depending on size.
If your pan’s looking dry, add another splash of broth.
4. Finish and Serve
Once the shrimp is cooked through, taste and adjust salt or pepper. Add fresh herbs on top if you’ve got them. Serve hot — either straight from the skillet or plated over pasta, rice, or steamed veggies.
Soumyadip’s Cooking Tips
- Use a heavy skillet: I love using cast iron or a good nonstick for this. It helps distribute the heat and gets you nice even cooking.
- Don’t walk away: Shrimp cook fast. The moment they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery in a blink.
- Thin slices of garlic? Add them toward the end. They’ll burn quickly if you cook them too early.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red chili flakes in the oil with the garlic does wonders if you’re in the mood for heat.
- Broth is your friend: Don’t be shy with the broth — it helps create a beautiful sauce without adding extra oil or butter.
What to Serve It With
This garlic shrimp is super versatile. Here are a few ways I like to serve it:
- Over spaghetti or angel hair pasta — Tossed with a little olive oil and lemon zest.
- With crusty whole grain bread — Perfect for sopping up the garlicky sauce.
- Next to roasted veggies or grilled zucchini — For a low-carb, veggie-packed dinner.
- Tossed into a warm grain bowl — Try it with quinoa, farro, or couscous.
- Alongside a big Greek salad — Add olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta for a full Mediterranean vibe.
Mediterranean Diet Shrimp in Garlic Sauce
This quick garlic shrimp recipe is full of bright Mediterranean flavors and comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s light, lemony, and absolutely perfect over rice, pasta, or on its own with a simple salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cleaned
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 5 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup vegetable broth (plus extra as needed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- Toss in the shrimp, lemon juice, and your seasonings (salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs). Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—about 3 to 4 more minutes, depending on their size.
- If the pan looks too dry, add a splash more broth as needed to keep things saucy.
- Once done, take it off the heat. Garnish with green onions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you'd like, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Watch the shrimp closely—they’re done as soon as they turn pink and firm. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery quickly.
- Serve over zucchini noodles, rice, couscous, or toss with your favorite pasta for a full Mediterranean-style meal.
- Great for weeknights, but elegant enough to serve guests.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 160Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 160mgSodium 843mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 18g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This shrimp in garlic sauce is the kind of dish that doesn’t need much explaining. It’s quick, flavorful, and checks all the boxes — easy, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
It’s become a regular in my rotation, especially on warmer evenings when I want something light but still full of flavor. Whether you’re eating solo, cooking for two, or feeding the whole family, this recipe has a way of impressing without showing off.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how it went — what you served it with, how you tweaked it, or if it made it onto your weeknight go-to list like it did mine.
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