Pan Seared Shrimp

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Shrimp is the a super versatile ingredient which is amazing cooked in a variety of ways. Enter, pan seared shrimp! One of the easiest cooks.

To make pan the perfect seared shrimp, you only need a few easy pantry ingredients (shrimp, oil and seasonings of choice). If you really want to take this shrimp to the next level, try it with this spicy and flavorful Seafood Sauce!

Heat up that hot skillet with oil and cook that shrimp until pink and perfectly caramelized. Pan seared shrimp is great for natural flavor and texture.

And for my shrimp lovers, be sure to check out this Shrimp and Corn Bisque.

The caramelization on the surface of the shrimp adds the delectable crunch to each bite.

seared shrimp recipe with sides and a blue linen.

Additionally, pan searing shrimp is is super healthy for meal prep or a light dinner. No added fat or sauces needed!

To enhance natural flavor of pan seared shrimp, add any additional ingredients such as garlic, lemon juice and herbs.

These ingredients can be added to the skillet while cooking or used as a marinade before cooking the shrimp.

Why seared shrimp is the best dinner recipe

Pan seared shrimp is the perfect easy, delicious recipe that can be made in under 10 minutes. Need a weeknight dinner option? This is it!

Seared shrimp requires minimal ingredients and can be easily modified with different herbs, spices, seasoning or sauces to suit any palate!

Pan seared shrimp works great with almond any side dish such as mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or Blackstone fried rice!

Pan seared shrimp ingredients

raw shrimp with olive oil and seasonings.

Olive Oil
Shrimp
Kosher Salt
Italian Seasoning
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Fresh Black Pepper
Crushed Red pepper
Fresh Lemon Juice/Wedges

How to make pan seared shrimp

In bowl, combine raw shrimp, olive oil and seasonings of choice (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning).
In frying pan/skillet/cast iron pan, heat oil on medium/high heat.
Add enough shrimp to the pan so they are not touching (you don’t want to steam the shrimp).
Cook until edges turn pink (approx. 1-2 minutes).
Flip and cook for another approx. 1-2 minutes (you want to get a nice char on each side).
Pull one shrimp and cut in thickest part to test doneness. The shrimp should have turned from translucent to opaque.
Cook any remaining shrimp.
Serve and drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired.

How to prepare shrimp to cook

pan seared prawns on a plate with lemon, broccoli and garnished with parsley.

Preparing shrimp for cooking involves a few simple steps:

Thaw frozen shrimp should thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or run it under cold water until it is fully thawed.

Remove shell and devein.

Rinse the shrimp to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

pan seared shrimp recipe with lemon and broccoli.

Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess water before cooking.

Season or marinate shrimp with salt, pepper or other seasonings. Alternately, marinate it oil, vinegar, herbs and spices for up to 30 minutes before cooking.

Cook shrimp: sautéing, grilling, boiling, or baking, depending on your recipe. Cook until the shrimp is opaque and pink.

FAQ and expert tips

How do you know when shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery and tough.

Can you use frozen shrimp for pan seared shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used for pan seared shrimp but it is best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before searing shrimp.

How long should you cook shrimp in the skillet?

Shrimp typically takes 1-2 minutes per side to cook in a skillet. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the cooking temperature.

Should you remove the tail from the shrimp before cooking it?

Removing the tail from shrimp before cooking is an easier cooking method and you don’t need to remove before eating.

What is the best way to clean shrimp before cooking it?

To best clean shrimp, remove the shell and devein shrimp by making a shallow cut along the back and removing the dark vein. Then, rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towel before cooking it.

pan seared citrus shrimp on a plate with broccoli and lemon.

Easy dinner recipes

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Pan Seared Shrimp

Pan seared shrimp is a delicious and quick recipe that can be made in under 10 minutes. Seared shrimp is great for a romantic meal but also perfect for a an easy weeknight dinner. It is also low carb, keto and super healthy. Perfect option for meal prep. Print Pin Course: dinner, lunch, SnackCuisine: American Prep Time: 2 minutesCook Time: 5 minutesTotal Time: 7 minutes Servings: 2 servings Calories: 321kcal Author: Aubrey Cost: $9

Equipment

1 Grill, frying pan, skillet, cast iron skillet or griddle

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

In bowl, combine raw shrimp, olive oil and seasonings of choice (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning).
In frying pan/skillet/cast iron pan, heat oil on medium/high heat.
Add enough shrimp to the pan so they are not touching (you don’t want to steam the shrimp).
Cook until edges turn pink (approx. 1-2 minutes).
Flip and cook for another approx. 1-2 minutes (you want to get a nice char on each side).
Pull one shrimp and cut in thickest part to test doneness. The shrimp should have turned from translucent to opaque.
Cook any remaining shrimp.
Serve and drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired.