Low Carb High Protein Shrimp with Lemon Garlic for Valentine’s

Looking for a quick and easy Valentine’s Day dinner idea? Or maybe just a simple, healthy weeknight meal? This low carb high protein shrimp with lemon garlic recipe is the answer! It delivers juicy, flavorful shrimp in mere minutes. This is not just any shrimp recipe; we’re using a special technique to get the perfect browning and texture. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb High Protein Shrimp Recipe

This lemon garlic shrimp recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for a healthy lifestyle. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:

Unique dry brine: A simple dry brine using salt and baking powder before cooking creates a beautiful sear and a satisfying “snap” when you bite into the shrimp.

Subtle cayenne kick: A touch of cayenne pepper adds a delightful complexity to the flavor profile without making it overly spicy.

Ready in under 15 minutes: From prep to plate, this dish is incredibly quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Low-carb and high-protein: This recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb, keto, or high-protein diet.

Impress your Valentine: Show your loved one you care with a delicious, impressive meal that requires minimal effort. For another Valentine’s treat, consider these spiced chocolate desserts.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp (raw, peeled & deveined )
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• 1 Tsp Olive Oil
• 2 Tbls Butter (or ghee)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest
• 3 Tbls Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbls Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Let’s explore the ingredients for this amazing lemon garlic shrimp recipe!

Jumbo Shrimp: Using jumbo shrimp provides a satisfying bite. Smaller shrimp will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can use frozen shrimp; just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking. I recommend thawing it overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. You can find more information on safe handling of shellfish on the FDA website.

Butter/Ghee: The butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce. For a dairy-free or Whole30 option, use ghee. You can use olive oil only, but the butter really elevates the taste.

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial for the best bright flavor. When zesting, be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

Salt: I prefer using sea salt or kosher salt for its clean flavor.

How to Make Low Carb High Protein Shrimp with Lemon Garlic

Here’s how to make this incredibly delicious and easy shrimp dish:

Step 1: Dry Brine the Shrimp

Combine the shrimp with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of baking powder in a bowl. Let it sit for 30 minutes. This dry brine helps the shrimp brown beautifully and creates a better texture.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear! Season with pepper and paprika on all sides.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. I love seeing that perfect sear develop!

Step 4: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet during the last minute of cooking. Stir constantly to prevent burning – you’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Remove the skillet from the heat and toss the cooked shrimp with lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. The aroma is incredible!

Preventing Burnt Garlic

Garlic can burn easily, ruining the flavor of your dish. Here’s why it happens and how to avoid it:

Why garlic burns so easily: Garlic is high in sugars that caramelize and burn quickly at high temperatures.

Ideal heat settings: Use medium-high heat instead of high heat. This allows the garlic to cook through without burning.

When to add the garlic: Add the garlic during the last minute of cooking. This gives it enough time to release its flavor without burning.

Visual cues for perfectly cooked garlic: Watch the garlic closely! It should be lightly golden and fragrant, not brown or black.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the shrimp in batches for even browning.
• Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning for a better sear.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
• Monitor the garlic closely to prevent burning.
• Dry brining the shrimp for about 30 minutes ahead of cooking improves flavor and texture. The salt and baking powder work their magic!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the shrimp leads to a rubbery texture.
• Burning the garlic: add it later in the cooking process.
• Using old lemon juice affects the flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: the shrimp will steam instead of sear.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
• Pair with a simple salad (e.g., Lemony Kale and Arugula Salad).
• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for a party.
• Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. This dish is best served fresh, but the shrimp can be dry brined ahead of time for convenience.

Conclusion

This quick and easy lemon garlic shrimp recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious meal any night of the week. The dry brine technique ensures perfectly browned and flavorful shrimp every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and side dishes to make it your own. Share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you!

If you’re looking for another quick meal, why not try this asparagus stir fry recipe?

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked properly and not overcooked? Shrimp is cooked when it turns opaque pink and curls into a C shape. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe, and how should I thaw it? Yes, thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat it dry before cooking.

What are some good low-carb side dishes to serve with this shrimp? Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, asparagus, and salads are all great low-carb options. Speaking of low carb options, you can learn more about the benefits of a low carb diet from the Mayo Clinic. Speaking of salads, this broccoli salad makes a great appetizer or side.

How can I prevent the garlic from burning while cooking the shrimp? Add the garlic during the last minute of cooking and monitor it closely. Use medium-high heat instead of high heat.

How long can I store leftover lemon garlic shrimp in the refrigerator? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Is this recipe suitable for a ketogenic diet? Yes, this recipe is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.

What is dry brining and why is it important? Dry brining involves seasoning the shrimp with salt and baking powder 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to improve browning and create a crisper texture. This method is also great for whole roasted cauliflower, injecting flavor and creating a wonderful texture.