Crispy & Zesty Lemon Pepper Skillet Shrimp

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🍋🍤 Crispy & Zesty Lemon Pepper Skillet Shrimp

Packed with bright lemon flavor and bold cracked black pepper, these Crispy & Zesty Lemon Pepper Skillet Shrimp are an easy and delicious dinner that comes together in just one skillet!

The shrimp are lightly seasoned and cooked in a hot skillet until beautifully golden on the outside while staying tender and juicy inside. A generous squeeze of fresh lemon adds the perfect zesty finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Toss until evenly coated.

2. Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter and allow the butter to melt.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet.

Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly golden around the edges.

4. Add the Lemon

Reduce the heat slightly and drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp.

Toss gently for about 30 seconds, allowing the lemon juice and buttery pan juices to coat the shrimp.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Shrimp

These easy skillet shrimp are delicious with:

  • Steamed white rice
  • Buttered pasta
  • Garlic bread
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Fresh green salad

Tips for Crispy Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry: Removing excess moisture helps the shrimp brown nicely in the skillet.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary so the shrimp have enough room to sear.

Use freshly cracked pepper: It gives the shrimp a bolder, more aromatic pepper flavor.

Add lemon at the end: Fresh lemon juice tastes brighter when added after the shrimp have browned.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Pepper Skillet Shrimp are quick, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The buttery shrimp, fresh lemon zest, bright citrus juice, and bold cracked pepper create a simple combination that’s hard to resist.

With minimal ingredients and just one skillet, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight seafood dinner or an easy meal when you’re craving something fresh and flavorful.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Method: Skillet